19/11/2025
2022 World Cup:
Cristiano Ronaldo was benched in the Round of 16 against Switzerland which Portugal won by 6:1.
By the time Ronaldo was subbed in at the 74th minute of the game, Portugal had scored 5 goals.
It was obvious they didn't need Ronaldo. They can actually play very well without him.
Then, in the quarter final against Morocco, he was benched again. But unfortunately, they couldn't wait beyond 51st minute before Ronaldo was subbed in.
The match wasn't a Xmas party just like the previous game. Fernando Santos felt the urgent need to call on Ronaldo but he wasn't able to resc.ue them.
Portugal conceded the only goal of the game in the 42nd minute when Ronaldo was still on the bench.
Guess who was blamed for the loss?
Guess who cr!ed the most for the loss?
Guess who the defeat still haunt till today?
Why cant they score Morocco like they scored Switzerland without Ronaldo?
If Portugal was able to score at least 2 goals as at maybe 60th minute, Santos might not bring Ronaldo in until 80th minute to prove another point.
This agenda wont fly this time with Roberto Martinez who is wiser to understand their tactics.
You will think they like Portugal but that's not true.
Under Martinez, Ronaldo has scored 25 goals (just 2 are from friendlies) and recorded 4 assists in 30 games. Only Bruno with 15 goals and 13 assists in 32 matches is closer to him.
This is the guy you all said is finished.
Goncalo Ramos that always replace Ronaldo most time Ronaldo didnt play has 24 goals in his last 62 matches for PSG where Ronaldo is not his teammate.
Until he retires, Cristiano Ronaldo will continue to be the most important player of the Portugal National team.
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