Cristiano Ronaldo faced intense criticism after Portugal’s 1-0 defeat against Denmark in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final. The Portuguese captain struggled to make an impact, remaining largely ineffective in front of goal. Despite his legendary status, Ronaldo’s subdued performance raised questions about his continued presence in the starting lineup, especially as he approaches 40 years of age.
Martinez Comes to Ronaldo's Defense
Portugal's head coach, Roberto Martinez, has stood by his captain, insisting that the criticism directed at Ronaldo is unjust. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the return leg, Martinez emphasized that Ronaldo's form cannot be judged solely based on individual games. He stated:
"Our teams are very flexible tactically, we have played with two strikers. We need to use our players depending on our opponent. But it is not a question of trying to talk about Cristiano in every game. If Cristiano Ronaldo scores, he is the most important player in the team. When he does not score, it is because of his age. It is not a fair assessment."
Martinez further described Portugal’s performance against Denmark as their worst in two years, attempting to motivate his players for a stronger showing in the decisive second leg.
Ronaldo's place in the Portuguese contingent continues to be a topic for debate. Once the automatic first name on the team list, Ronaldos decreasing influence has led many to question whether time is up for him in the national team. Calls for such change were intensified following an underwhelming 2024 European Championships for Ronaldo. Nevertheless, the man has set his heart on getting into the 2026 World Cup, leaving Martinez in a predicament over whether to consider him going forward.
What lies ahead for Ronaldo and Portugal?
A crucial second leg is at stake for Portugal on Sunday night, where they need to overturn a 1-0 deficit to secure their path to semi-final rounds for the Nations League, due next June. Ronaldo has a chance to silence dissenters with a huge performance leading his country to victory.
Summing Up
As Portugal prepares for a decisive match, Ronaldo will be watched to see whether he can once more rise to the occasion. The outcome of the next game will certainly alter the dynamic between Martinez and Ronaldo; although Martinez shows strong support for the talisman, it might tip the scales.