Now I have the full context. Let me write the article for MUFC Fanatics SA:

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**BREAKING: Martinez Era Ends as Portugal Crash Out — Lisandro’s International Future in Question**

Well, that’s football in its cruelest, most dramatic form. Spain scraped past Portugal 1-0 in stoppage time courtesy of substitute Mikel Merino’s late strike, ending what will likely be remembered as Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup match. But for us Reds, there’s a far bigger storyline buried beneath the headlines: **Roberto Martinez has stepped down as Portugal boss**.

Martinez confirmed immediately after the defeat that he’s leaving with immediate effect, saying “it does not make sense to continue” after failing to win the tournament. The former Everton and Belgium gaffer is done, and with him goes three and a half years of what Portugal fans will likely look back on as unfulfilled potential.

The match itself was as drab as you’d expect from two European heavyweights terrified of making a mistake. Spain dominated the stats with 1.77 xG to Portugal’s pitiful 0.60, but it took until the 91st minute for the breakthrough. Ronaldo, at 41, was a “marginal presence” up front — more spectacle than substance. When Merino finished coolly in added time, that was it. Tournament over. Career over.

But let’s talk about **our man Lisandro Martinez**. With Roberto now gone and Argentina’s Mohamed Salah-led Egypt lurking in the knockout rounds, will our warrior even be thinking about international football right now? Licha’s been immense when fit for United under Michael Carrick this season, and Portugal’s exit frees up one less competitor for World Cup glory.

The real intrigue for us? Portugal co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Morocco — meaning their next manager has four years to rebuild and reignite a golden generation that’s just seen its greatest icon bow out in tears in Dallas.

Martinez walked away. Ronaldo walked away. But La Roja march on to face either the USA or Belgium in Los Angeles. Sometimes the beautiful game is ruthless. And sometimes, it’s just Spanish.

**Thoughts, Reds? Will Licha lift the trophy before Portugal rebuild?**

✍️ This summary was written by the MUFC Fanatics SA team based on reporting from Sky Sports.

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