decapitated Posted December 8, 2022 Share Posted December 8, 2022 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63901332 Quote The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has denied that Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave the World Cup. Portuguese publication Record claims the forward, 37, made the threat after being told he would not start their last-16 game against Switzerland. In the previous game against South Korea, the Portugal captain reacted angrily when he was substituted. The FPF said: "At no time did Cristiano Ronaldo threaten to leave the national team during the stay in Qatar." Ronaldo left Manchester United by mutual agreement before Portugal's World Cup opener after a controversial interview in which the five-time Ballon d'Or winner criticised the club. Ronaldo was substituted off the field in both of Portugal's opening games and coach Fernando Santos said he "didn't like" Ronaldo's reaction when he was again replaced during the 2-1 group defeat by South Korea. Goncalo Ramos started instead of Ronaldo against Switzerland and the 21-year-old scored a hat-trick in the 6-1 victory. I really don't think they need him especially if he's acting like he is. I do wonder if Santos will be ordered to restore him to the first 11 against Morocco by the FA , especially given Ronaldo refusing to join the substitutes training session after the Switzerland and insisting on training with the first 11. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolf_pd Posted December 8, 2022 Share Posted December 8, 2022 They don't need him. The Switzerland game and a few games he missed previously made that clear. He won't like it though and Santos will have to work a plan to minimize the damage to the team. It is clear that Santos understands Ronaldo is done, but also knows he has to handle carefully. I would be surprised if the FA forces Santos to reinstate him. That would mess things up inside the team. For the other teams still in the tournament, it would be good that Ronaldo plays as much as possible though and from a record point of view, I would like to see Ronaldo reach 200 caps, but he doesn't need to win the World Cup for that. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Lucas Posted December 8, 2022 Administrators Share Posted December 8, 2022 Portugal much better without him on current evidence but he still has a part to play if his head is screwed on. He seems unwilling to be a team player though, came straight on and was taking free kicks still when its been forever since he was any good at those with consistency. If Portugal were heading into ET and he was coming on to play through that, is still a threat. On the other hand if he was starting they'd be looking to pull him off. Just no way he can play 3 games of upto 120 minutes each in 8 days (assuming they reach the final). Against England or France I think their chances are much better without him starting but he is a circus / celeb act now. Coming on as a sub like he were a seasoned ex pro playing for a semi pro side. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astafjevs Posted December 8, 2022 Share Posted December 8, 2022 You say that but Santos started Ronaldo for all the group games and only seemingly dropped him from the R16 game because of the reaction to being subbed, rather than because he was rubbish. Maybe there was a bit of both in there, and maybe some of the Portuguese posters can enlighten us, but I get the impression if there wasn't such a strop in the South Korea game then he may well have started again vs. Switzerland. Agree with Lucas he still has a role. Whatever you think of him as a person, he still scores a lot of goals and there aren't many better genuine strikers at this tournament, You bring him off the bench with the game tied, or with Portugal losing, and he will command the attention of defenders regardless of his age. They're not going to be ignoring Ronaldo when he's loitering near their penalty area. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
aggressive minor Posted December 8, 2022 Share Posted December 8, 2022 He could have done what Del Piero did for Italy essentially, but he’s an egomaniac. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
WillHoward42 Posted December 8, 2022 Share Posted December 8, 2022 So Portugal beat Morocco without Ronaldo. FA sack the manager Ronaldo instated as player/manager for the Semi Finals Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darius1998 Posted December 8, 2022 Share Posted December 8, 2022 Great option to bring off the bench but he should not be starting. Ramos links up well with the midfield and wider forwards and has also done very well with Benfica. Seeing as he's going to be the main man for years to come (unless Andre Silva rediscovers his form), they should continue with him. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kopsy101 Posted December 8, 2022 Share Posted December 8, 2022 Can't help but think he'd have had atleast a couple against Switzerland. I think there's a good chance he'll start the next game. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weezer Posted December 8, 2022 Share Posted December 8, 2022 He’s in bad form and it’s fun to laugh at him but I don’t think he’s finished, not for Portugal. It would look mad to drop Ramos after their last game but Ronaldo still has a role to play in the squad. Whether he can accept that or not is on him. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ackter Posted December 8, 2022 Share Posted December 8, 2022 Without is better, but he's nowhere near Bale levels of washed up so would still be useful if he played. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
themadsheep2001 Posted December 8, 2022 Share Posted December 8, 2022 3 hours ago, aggressive minor said: He could have done what Del Piero did for Italy essentially, but he’s an egomaniac. This is the bit for me. If he could swallow his ego, he could still offer a lot. Imagine being battered defensively for 60 minutes, then a focused Ronaldo comes on, expending all his energy making his trademark runs off you. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolf_pd Posted December 8, 2022 Share Posted December 8, 2022 If Ronaldo is a real leader, he would realise Portugal wants to win the world cup, not just Ronaldo. But he isn't able. I hope he has a good dentist because of all the teeth grinding. If you then look at Argentina, the team wants to send out Messi in the best way possible. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Citizen Sandman Posted December 8, 2022 Share Posted December 8, 2022 Trademark runs 🏃♂️ 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
VamPook Posted December 8, 2022 Share Posted December 8, 2022 Trademark runs out of the stadium more like these days Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
noikeee Posted December 9, 2022 Share Posted December 9, 2022 10 hours ago, Astafjevs said: You say that but Santos started Ronaldo for all the group games and only seemingly dropped him from the R16 game because of the reaction to being subbed, rather than because he was rubbish. Maybe there was a bit of both in there, and maybe some of the Portuguese posters can enlighten us, but I get the impression if there wasn't such a strop in the South Korea game then he may well have started again vs. Switzerland. We don't really know. The manager said he was dropped because of disciplinary reasons, but it might have been a good excuse to see if the team works better without him as well (as it has worked in the past, in some friendlies and minor games in which he was unavailable). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
themodelcitizen Posted December 9, 2022 Share Posted December 9, 2022 11 hours ago, WillHoward42 said: So Portugal beat Morocco without Ronaldo. FA sack the manager Ronaldo instated as player/manager for the Semi Finals Lol. Paulo Bento might still be hanging around in town Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
oche balboa Posted December 9, 2022 Share Posted December 9, 2022 There was a balance to them without Ronaldo. They should keep him on the bench for their remaining games Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weezer Posted December 9, 2022 Share Posted December 9, 2022 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolf_pd Posted December 9, 2022 Share Posted December 9, 2022 4 hours ago, oche balboa said: There was a balance to them without Ronaldo. They should keep him on the bench for their remaining games You don't want England to win? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heartwork Posted December 10, 2022 Share Posted December 10, 2022 Hopefully they'll never call him up again. If he's still involved in Euro 2024 qualifying then there's no hope for them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolf_pd Posted December 10, 2022 Share Posted December 10, 2022 I think I read somewhere he wants to play at Euro 2024, but this loss and the negativity around him could mean he decides not to. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
noikeee Posted December 10, 2022 Share Posted December 10, 2022 He was planning to play Euro 2024 but not sure he or anyone else saw such a sharp decline coming this season I think it's over Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
aggressive minor Posted December 10, 2022 Share Posted December 10, 2022 If he gets some humility and plays regularly for a decent team, then he could do a sub role for Portugal. I wonder if his decline is terminal or if he can get back to last years standard with some regular game time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
noikeee Posted December 10, 2022 Share Posted December 10, 2022 7 minutes ago, aggressive minor said: If he gets some humility and plays regularly for a decent team, then he could do a sub role for Portugal. I wonder if his decline is terminal or if he can get back to last years standard with some regular game time. Is he's going to Saudi Arabia there's no coming back from that. He'll just lose tons of competitive rhythm Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
aggressive minor Posted December 10, 2022 Share Posted December 10, 2022 12 minutes ago, noikeee said: Is he's going to Saudi Arabia there's no coming back from that. He'll just lose tons of competitive rhythm That I agree with. You know he’ll want 200 caps too! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ackter Posted December 10, 2022 Share Posted December 10, 2022 Turns out they're **** with or without him. Just a bad team. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JD nawrat Posted December 10, 2022 Share Posted December 10, 2022 (edited) 3 hours ago, aggressive minor said: That I agree with. You know he’ll want 200 caps too! I think they'll get him his 200 caps and then that'll be that. E: maybe if he's incredible in those 4(?) games then they'll keep him in the squad/team but even if he's rotten i think they gift him the 4. Edited December 10, 2022 by JD nawrat Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolf_pd Posted December 10, 2022 Share Posted December 10, 2022 Game against Argentina (both Messi and Ronaldo saying goodbye to international football? Sellout game). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichaelShort Posted February 8, 2023 Share Posted February 8, 2023 (edited) Interesting topic. Portugal has some great players and doesn't necessarily need Ronaldo to perform well. But let's remember his impact on the pitch and his ability to score crucial goals. That being said, if he's not in the right headspace and causing trouble in the squad, it might be better for everyone if he takes a step back. On another note, have you seen where Lionel Messi lives? His lionel messi house argentina is something else, I've seen some pics, and it's seriously next level! It's a great example of how successful footballers can live. The man has earned it, after all. Can't wait to see what he'll do next on the pitch. He always brings his A-game. Cheers! Edited February 10, 2023 by MichaelShort Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now