Despite having one of Europe’s most promising squads, Portugal fell to a disappointing defeat against Denmark in the UEFA Nations League. Cristiano Ronaldo struggled to make an impact, registering just two shots on goal in 90 minutes, far below Portugal’s usual standards. After the first-leg loss, Cristiano addressed the setback with a candid statement, reinforcing his leadership within the team.
“I only want Portugal to win. If we win and I don’t play, I’ll sign it down and I’d tell the coach not to play me!,” stated Cristiano Ronaldo as reported by Fabrizio Romano. The Portuguese star emphasized that his main priority is helping his team win, not just scoring goals. Despite a quiet performance, he remains the likely starter for the second leg. With no teammates currently outperforming him, his goal-scoring ability could be crucial in Portugal’s attempt to reverse the result.
Cristiano’s remarks highlight his ability to reflect on his own performance. Despite an average showing against Denmark, he remains Portugal’s top scorer in the UEFA Nations League. This underscores his lasting importance to the national team. However, it’s up to head coach Roberto Martinez to build a system that maximizes Ronaldo’s impact without making the team overly dependent on him.
Cristiano Ronaldo frequently dropped into midfield during the match against Denmark to help create space in the attack. Although this should not be his main role, his involvement played a key part in generating scoring chances. To maximize his impact, Ronaldo should stay closer to goal. This would allow him to conserve energy and become a bigger threat to opposing defenses.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo opens up on his fitness ahead of second leg vs Denmark
Before Portugal’s match against Denmark, Cristiano Ronaldo faced doubts about his availability. The concern was not tactical but related to his physical condition. However, the Portuguese star quickly addressed those concerns. He stated: “I am certain that tomorrow I will be recovered because I know how to do it, I have the resources for that and I will be physically and mentally able to help Portugal move forward.”
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This rules out any concerns about Cristiano Ronaldo missing the match due to fatigue or physical strain. With this, Roberto Martinez will have his star player available to help turn things around. If Portugal loses to Denmark, it will be Martinez’s second consecutive failure. His team was also eliminated by France in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.
