Is Portugal stronger without Cristiano Ronaldo (39, Al Nasr)?
“Former Liverpool star Patrique Berger has claimed that Portugal will perform better at the UEFA Euro 2024 if Cristiano Ronaldo starts from the bench,” according to the British publication Sport Kida.
For nearly two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo has been the best player in the world, rivaling Lionel Messi for the title.
Now 39 years old, Ronaldo is still a force to be reckoned with. This season, he’s scored 29 goals in 25 league games for his club Al Nasr.
In addition to a club career that rivals that of any player in history, Ronaldo has also had a remarkable international career. Ronaldo made his senior international debut in a friendly against Kazakhstan in August 2003 and has since gone on to score 128 goals in 206 appearances for Portugal.
He’s been in prolific form for his club this season, 안전놀이터 and barring any major setbacks, he’s a shoo-in to make the Portugal squad for Euro 2024. He’ll also be wearing the captain’s armband.
However, given his age, it will be difficult for him to start every game.
“Even if Ronaldo is one of the best players of all time, age is still a factor to consider. He is 39 years old,” Wenger said.
“I don’t think he should have started at the World Cup either. I think it would have been better for him to start from the bench and come on with 20 to 25 minutes left in the game.”
In fact, Ronaldo had a poor showing at the last FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, most notably in the third match of Group H against “Ventojo” South Korea.
Ronaldo, who started the game against South Korea, had two shots on goal before being substituted in the 20th minute, but neither of them were on target, especially the header that he attempted to take advantage of the South Korean defense’s insecurity.
He also had a crucial ‘assist’ on Kim Young-kwon’s goal in the 27th minute. He received a cross from Lee Kang-in with the back of his neck and dropped it in front of Kim Young-kwon. South Korea went on to advance to the round of 16 in dramatic fashion thanks to Hwang Hee-chan’s goal in stoppage time.
“He always creates chances,” says Berger. It doesn’t matter if he plays 90 minutes or 25 minutes. If he had done that at the World Cup, it would have helped the team more. 바카라사이트 추천 I’d be happy if he started against my country (the Czech Republic),” he said, arguing that Ronaldo’s starting spot is toxic for the team.
“Portugal are really strong at the moment. They can win every game without Ronaldo starting. If he starts from the bench, the opposition will be worried. If Ronaldo was on the bench, Portugal could have gone all the way to the World Cup final.”