It’s impossible to discuss Portugal and the World Cup without also discussing Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s made 227 appearances for Portugal, won the Nations League and the European Championships as captain, and is set to appear at his sixth World Cup.
Portugal’s modern history revolves around Cristiano Ronaldo. It’s easy to forget that Portugal are a relatively small footballing nation, rarely competing with the powerhouses of France, Italy, and Germany in the past. With Ronaldo leading the line, Portugal are always among the favourites in the best sportsbooks, which you check on Action Network.
Until now. Ronaldo is now 41 years old, playing in the Saudi Pro League. The Portuguese national team has grown around him, there’s now serious quality in all positions. Is it time for Portugal to move on from Cristiano Ronaldo?
Is Ronaldo still Portugal’s saviour?
Ronaldo is clearly not the player he once was. At 41 years old, he doesn’t have the pace or energy he once did. Ronaldo has done well to mitigate his physical deterioration, switching from a winger to a striker role where he’s required to run less. He’s still in excellent condition, but at that age, it’s impossible not to be a step behind younger players.
Ronaldo is also now playing in a weaker league in Saudi Arabia, not being kept sharp by the tough European leagues like most of his teammates. Most of the critics of Ronaldo point to his style of play as the problem: he doesn’t run enough, and he plays for himself and not for the team.
But many have been quick to repel the criticism. Ronaldo has the backing of manager Roberto Martinez, and the support of the rest of the team. It’s also thought that about 80% of Portuguese football fans support Ronaldo as the focal point of the team.
Ronaldo may be older and less agile than he once was, but he still has many irreplaceable characteristics that made him one of the world’s best. His footballing brain, his ability to sniff out chances, these are traits that you can’t replace.
That’s without talking about what truly made Ronaldo one of the best ever: his mindset. His almost psychotic need to win football games is what drives him to still be playing international football. Portugal will want his wealth of experience and his mentality in tough moments in the tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo has also already announced that this will be his final World Cup. That’s hardly a surprise, given he would be 45 years old by the time that tournament begins, but this World Cup is Ronaldo’s last chance for the trophy. The World Cup is virtually the one trophy in world football that Ronaldo does not have, and his drive to win will carry Portugal forward.
Ronaldo has also been in solid form this season, including 25 goals in the last 31 games for the Selecao. That coupled with his drive to finally succeed in the World Cup, on the biggest stage in football, Portugal would be fools not to put their faith in him one last time.
