According to a report by the “Mirror” newspaper, translated by “Lebanon 24”, Portugal came out of the match in a lackluster manner, without a clear identity, strong reaction, or field leadership befitting a team entering the tournament among the big names. And what is worse is that the draw, which was the first point in the history of the Democratic Republic of Congo at the World Cup, might have seemed an acceptable result compared to what happened on the field.
The newspaper believes that the biggest problem currently facing Portugal is Ronaldo himself. The star who made the national team’s history and led it to unforgettable achievements is no longer able to provide what the team needs at this level of competition. Portugal’s current squad includes a generation at the peak of its ability, with an average age of 28 years, with players such as Joao Neves, Vitinha, Goncalo Ramos and Nuno Mendes, in addition to brilliant names in the largest European leagues. Therefore, the question is increasing within Portugal: Is it permissible for the shape of the entire national team to remain governed by the presence of one player, regardless of his name and history?
The report said: “No one denies Ronaldo’s status. He is the most important player in the history of Portugal, and one of the most influential players in modern football. He gave his country titles, records and memories that will last a long time. But gratitude alone cannot be the criterion for selection, especially in an unforgiving tournament.”
The report indicates that Portuguese players still view Ronaldo as the “king” and symbol, and this clearly appears in crucial moments. When a team is searching for a goal, balls go towards it instinctively, even when another player is in a better position. This was demonstrated against Congo, when Bruno Fernandes’ reaction seemed expressive after Ronaldo intervened on a cross that it would have been better to leave to him, as the Manchester United captain was in a more suitable position to score. This debate has increased among the Portuguese public and the media. One Portuguese user wrote that the problem is that Ronaldo “will not leave unless he wants to,” considering that his personality makes the decision more complicated. Another said that coach Roberto Martinez “does not have the courage” to put Ronaldo on the bench, which limits the team’s style of play. He added that Ronaldo is still capable of helping, but there are players who can provide better options. Others also pointed out that Ronaldo’s presence as a starter prevents Goncalo Ramos from getting his role, even though he is faster and more suitable to play with Vitinha and the rest of the new generation, which gives Portugal greater depth and movement in attack.
The report continued: “For his part, Portuguese commentator Ricardo Lemos, via the SIC channel, gave a more direct reading, saying that it is difficult for a player who has competed at the highest level for 23 or 24 years to have enough awareness to admit that the moment to step down has arrived. Lemos asked: “Who has the courage to remove Ronaldo from the national team?”, indicating that the player may believe in his mind that he is still capable of doing the same thing, but the body no longer responds as it did before.”
The report said: “Amidst this criticism, Martinez has become at the center of the storm. He insists on defending his decision to keep Ronaldo on the field, saying that removing a striker when the team needs goals “is meaningless.” He considered that Ronaldo’s experience inside the penalty area is important, and that his presence attracts defenders and opens up spaces. But this justification, according to the report, reinforces the core of the problem: Portugal is still playing based on a version of Ronaldo that no longer exists. Experience inside the box is important in theory, but it is not enough if it disrupts more players. Movement and the ability to press, speed, and make a difference. As for Ronaldo himself, he rejected the idea that something was missing against Congo, saying, “This is football,” and that Portugal could have won just as well as it could have lost.”
The next test will be against Uzbekistan, Tuesday, June 23. It is a match that seems decisive for Portugal, especially since Colombia, its last competitor in the group, started its campaign with a victory. Any new stumble will turn anxiety into a real crisis, and will make the questions about Ronaldo and Martinez more acute. Then, the discussion will not only be about respect for history, but about Portugal’s ability to save its present before its World Cup is lost prematurely.
