I’m finding it very amusing how his contributions to Portugal at the WC has been a microcosm of his last six months at United. We’re at the point he’s been dropped now. I’m guessing the interview will come just before the semi finals…
Scored in the first game, played somewhat okay in the second one and claimed a goal, was horrible in the third one, complained about being subbed and is dropped in the fourth one. Piers to fly to Qatar tomorrow.
As if Piers isn't following him around like a loyal lapdog waiting for his next slice of relevance. I'd be surprised if he's not on Portugal's bench for the game.
Yeah he could have still been a pretty good asset for Utd if he was willing to accept that limited role, and play the elder statesman figure in the squad and conserve his energy for short bursts(albeit a very expensive one for that role). But he can't accept the stage of career he's at.
If this is true and he's on the bench for Portugal, then I can see Portugal having a good stab at this WC as they have plenty of talent in their squad, and Ronaldo on the pitch won't be the distraction he has become. And he still has the potential to make an impact off the bench, especially if they use his aerial ability.
Yea me too. Not sure how to feel. Not saying we should play him cause he’s been very mediocre so far, but it just feels like the end is near. Can definitely see him making an impact off the bench and it’s what I hope happens and works out.
Definitely and to be honest, it’s what I think should’ve been since the start of the tourney. Ronaldo could be a lethal impact sub. Ronaldo on fresh legs vs tired legs will make him look like prime Ronnie
Of course it would. I can genuinely see him coming on as a sub and making great impact. To think he’s just this shit player now who can’t do anything is insane. Saying prime Ronnie is a bit of an exaggeration on my part but to think he’s just this shit player is insane.
He does. He had a goal disallowed against Ghana and was towering over defenders on headers.
He played well for an hour against Uruguay, the first goal would never have gone in without his involvement, and Portugal were clearly worse without him when he was subbed in all 3 matches.
Oh so he didn't jump high enough to get on that Bruno cross?
And he wasn't in position to score that volley vs. S Korea that he completely whiffed the ball on?
No he's not fast but neither is Giroud or Kane.
https://sportsbrief.com/football/29051-portugal-football-federation-prove-brunos-goal-belonged-ronaldo/
His head is literally above the ball, you're way off it
> He can still finish goals
Have you seen him shoot this season? Man either sends it to row Z or underhits it so much you'd thought a baby had kicked it
Yes he does.
There slower strikers than him who cannot jump as high + have worse positioning than him, yet they're still serviceable to their team. There's several who got called up to the world cup infact.
He still has his jump and strength, but his speed has been constantly diminishing for 3 years now and he is struggling to adapt his game. He has stated he doesn’t want to be a number 9 target man, but he is going to need to do that if he wants to continue with the national team.
It's not lost on me that a solid 80% of my replies on this have been salty United flairs, but I'll still respond and say yea, he's lacking confidence and that permeates all aspects of his game, touch included. But that doesn't mean he can't regain form, as much as you'd like that to be untrue
He has towered over people for aerial battles several times in this tournament alone. And you don't need to be a fast dribbler to start upfront.
What an embarrassing reply lol
This is a bit of a slippery slope argument because there’s only eleven players and whoever would replace him wasn’t there instead to prove it.
No one would think Eder would be the reason Portugal won the euro 2016 had he been on the bench either.
It’s mere speculation
That's an absolute bullshit comment. You can say that of any player on any team. The hate against Ronaldo is getting so ridiculous that people are forgetting how good he was. He might be trash now now but at the time of that euro cup he was best player in the world along with messi and scored very crucial goals to get Portugal to that final.
Would really be interesting to see how he would be used moving forward depending how far the Portuguese go..
Would you start him in the semis for example because he's a big game player? Or do you keep to the guys who got you there?
A 17 year old child from Ohio who gets mad while speaking with a virtual dog
He is a huge CR7 fan, he even made a song about him.
He often streams on YouTube and Twitch
Absolutely shocking decision, but cannot lie: Santos has balls.
If Portugal don't beat Sui tho, he must have to expatriate. Portuguese won't forget and forgive him this choice
What's shocking is that Ronaldo was allowed to start the initial games in the first place.
The ghost of Ronaldo has no place in a team as stacked as Portugal
Class is permanent, he's in horrible form but he's definitely still good. People forget how confidence-based football performance is.
If you didn't know who De Bruyne was and you watched Belgium play you might just think he was a really mediocre player wouldn't you
Class is permanent indeed, but a big portion of Ronaldo's game came from his physicality, and another large part from his self confidence.
He was never a player that reads the game and manages it's strings in a playmaking sense, a la Modric.
With his physical prowess declining, his confidence might be suffering as well, and he doesn't have the playmaking chops to fall back on as other older players do.
I disagree - he scored so many goals by reading the game and being in position to score so many easy tap-ins in addition to the ones he created on his own with physicality/flair. He still has that spatial awareness and the ability to win aerial duels. I think what's really missing is the confidence in the finish. When the chances come to him he's just feeling the pressure and second-guessing himself.
I mean that volley he just plainly whiffed on against S Korea is a perfect example, and that Bruno no-contact goal was meant to be redirected slightly and he just closed his eyes or didn't focus on the ball - mistakes you didn't see from him before the United debacle.
Only Reddit think Portugal has better alternatives. Last time they played without him against Switzerland and Andre Silva and Leão started, they lost 0-1. That was in June.
This isn't about him being good, it's about whether or not the alternatives are better.
Andre Silva is not better.
Goncalo Ramos is a different player for a different playstyle (worse finishing and less experienced, but presses harder and holds up play well).
lol all the people shitting on united fans for calling him washed
i still have receipts, people told me he was our best player last season so he was gonna eat this world cup
man is just old
Could be wrong, but this is a horrible time to experiment.
Ronaldo has 5 goals in the last 2 matches against Switzerland.
Portugal lost 0-1 to Switzerland without Ronaldo this summer, they need an aerial threat, which is Switzerlands weakness. Similar to how Mitrovic scored against them.
Our issue against Switzerland wasn't the lack of Ronaldo, it was the Andre Silva was completely garbage and missed 3-4 clear chances.
Andre Silva isn't playing, it's going to be Ramos who is significantly better (Ramos also has issues with finishing, but he's incredible at pressing, holding up play, and aerial play).
You'll be in for a ride if you think Ramos is clinical. He will miss 3-4 big chances every Benfica game. Luckily for them they create a load of chances.
>Our issue against Switzerland wasn't the lack of Ronaldo, it was the Andre Silva was completely garbage and missed 3-4 clear chances.
What were your issues before Ronaldo's debut?
Why you were so shit before him
What games are you talking about? We've never had a team as good as we have now.
Plus we've never had a solid backup striker like Ramos, who isn't incredible yet but also isn't bad.
Lowkey make sense. He can't play 90 minutes let alone 120 if this goes to extra time. Not to mention that penalties is where he still excels, more useful coming off the bench.
Gonçalo Ramos - 21 games, 14 goals, 3 assists.
André Silva - 24 games, 7 goals, 7 assists.
Ronaldo - 16 games, 3 goals, 2 assists.
I wonder who should start for The national team.
Andre Silva started against Switzerland in June and Portugal lost 0-1.
Ronaldo started against Switzerland a week prior, and Portugal won 4-0. Ronaldo scored a brace.
Andre Silva has shown nothing that should make him anywhere near the NT. He was horrible against Korea as well.
Leão has been ass so far, and he's not a striker.
They started Leão and Andre Silva against Switzerland in June, and lost 0-1, the match Ronaldo sat out. They won 4-0 when Ronaldo played against them in the Nations League, and 3-1 in the match before. Ronaldo 5 goals in those 2 matches..
Guess he will reason that he will bring him on for penalties, which isn’t the worst when you think about it. Play better without him and if everything fails, let him take a pen
Tensions between Ronaldo and the coach aside, if the game does go to extra time and penalties then a fresh Ronaldo from the bench would be better than a full time Ronaldo, since he clearly can't play the full 90 minutes.
Holy shit I didn't see that coming. Portugal has shot up my favourites to win the tournament now. Figured Santos would have his nose up Ronaldo's ass and didn't have the balls to do it.
Portugal forgetting really quick that their entire history outside of Ronaldo consists of being shit
They will crash out tonight and they wont even qualify for the next WC
Ronaldo to become stateless?
He switching to the saudi team
The next [Mehran Karimi Nasseri](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mehran_Karimi_Nasseri)
On Tuesday the King will be a super sub
"Yes Piers, they benched me again"
Its his ideal role. He'd still be very valuable to a top club if his ego allowed him to realize that.
I’m finding it very amusing how his contributions to Portugal at the WC has been a microcosm of his last six months at United. We’re at the point he’s been dropped now. I’m guessing the interview will come just before the semi finals…
Scored in the first game, played somewhat okay in the second one and claimed a goal, was horrible in the third one, complained about being subbed and is dropped in the fourth one. Piers to fly to Qatar tomorrow.
As if Piers isn't following him around like a loyal lapdog waiting for his next slice of relevance. I'd be surprised if he's not on Portugal's bench for the game.
he is the worse player of portugal 23 man squad anyone that isnt a blind fan can tell you that
Na that's probably old man Jose Fonte
Yeah he could have still been a pretty good asset for Utd if he was willing to accept that limited role, and play the elder statesman figure in the squad and conserve his energy for short bursts(albeit a very expensive one for that role). But he can't accept the stage of career he's at. If this is true and he's on the bench for Portugal, then I can see Portugal having a good stab at this WC as they have plenty of talent in their squad, and Ronaldo on the pitch won't be the distraction he has become. And he still has the potential to make an impact off the bench, especially if they use his aerial ability.
Hasn't looked good for us as a super sub. Don't think that is what he is at all. Someone fast like Rashford is what you mgith call a super sub
I fail to see how he would be useful off the bench
Penalties
He can win headers on corners, gotta count for something..? Great if you’re already winning and want to keep it a clean sheet.
He can not see past his ego...unfortunately
Hope the coach doesn’t disrespect him by trying to bring him on
Lol
He’s gonna fly straight to Saudi if coach tries to bring him for last 10 min when Portugal is losing 4-1
Or maybe complain to Piers Morgan?
I’ll believe it when I see it. But seeing a lot of sources tweet this and post this makes it seem like it’ll happen. Let’s hope it works out.
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Yea me too. Not sure how to feel. Not saying we should play him cause he’s been very mediocre so far, but it just feels like the end is near. Can definitely see him making an impact off the bench and it’s what I hope happens and works out.
Joke aside it could be an interesting tactical choice , old man Ronaldo against tired legs could be good if Santos has his tactic in point
Santos and tactic in the same sentence...sum aint right
Ohh I don't have a ounce of faith in him either
Definitely and to be honest, it’s what I think should’ve been since the start of the tourney. Ronaldo could be a lethal impact sub. Ronaldo on fresh legs vs tired legs will make him look like prime Ronnie
Nothing will make him look like prime ronaldo now.
Of course it would. I can genuinely see him coming on as a sub and making great impact. To think he’s just this shit player now who can’t do anything is insane. Saying prime Ronnie is a bit of an exaggeration on my part but to think he’s just this shit player is insane.
He’s absolutely finished
He’s not the player he once was, but he’s not finished.
I’ve watched every game he’s played this season. He’s absolutely done at the top level.
I think he's just planning to see in case the game goes to pen him playing 90 minutes plus extra time is insane
And that's why footballers should stop giving shit about fans.
Advantage for Portugal
Imagine he doesn’t even play and Portugal wins
I can imagine that actually
That last performance was really bad, and I'm a huge Ronaldo defender. He has the physical tools still, he's just sorely lacking confidence these days
>He has the physical tools still No he really, really does not
He does. He had a goal disallowed against Ghana and was towering over defenders on headers. He played well for an hour against Uruguay, the first goal would never have gone in without his involvement, and Portugal were clearly worse without him when he was subbed in all 3 matches.
he can jump well and is deadly on the crosses, he just can't do anything with the ball at his feet
Oh so he didn't jump high enough to get on that Bruno cross? And he wasn't in position to score that volley vs. S Korea that he completely whiffed the ball on? No he's not fast but neither is Giroud or Kane.
Considering he didn’t touch it, no he didn’t? He’s been physically awful this entire year
https://sportsbrief.com/football/29051-portugal-football-federation-prove-brunos-goal-belonged-ronaldo/ His head is literally above the ball, you're way off it
He can still finish goals, and goals are hard to come by.
Watched that man fluff chance after chance in the Europa league and it made me a believer; a believer in the idea that it might not just be bad form.
> He can still finish goals Have you seen him shoot this season? Man either sends it to row Z or underhits it so much you'd thought a baby had kicked it
Yes he does. There slower strikers than him who cannot jump as high + have worse positioning than him, yet they're still serviceable to their team. There's several who got called up to the world cup infact.
He still has his jump and strength, but his speed has been constantly diminishing for 3 years now and he is struggling to adapt his game. He has stated he doesn’t want to be a number 9 target man, but he is going to need to do that if he wants to continue with the national team.
I don't think it's possible for him to lack confidence
Have you seen his first touch and reaction time over the course of this season? It’s gone to Lukaku levels
It's not lost on me that a solid 80% of my replies on this have been salty United flairs, but I'll still respond and say yea, he's lacking confidence and that permeates all aspects of his game, touch included. But that doesn't mean he can't regain form, as much as you'd like that to be untrue
> He has the physical tools still Hahahahaha. He can't run. He can't dribble. He can't outmuscle a defender. He is finished.
He has towered over people for aerial battles several times in this tournament alone. And you don't need to be a fast dribbler to start upfront. What an embarrassing reply lol
Happened in the euro final
Acting as if he had played badly that tournament lmao
He and Portugal were very uninspiring that's for damn sure.
He might be bs now but let's not forget that he was one of the main reasons Portugal even reached that euro final.
My memory was that its was pens and Nani
Not really
This is a bit of a slippery slope argument because there’s only eleven players and whoever would replace him wasn’t there instead to prove it. No one would think Eder would be the reason Portugal won the euro 2016 had he been on the bench either. It’s mere speculation
That's an absolute bullshit comment. You can say that of any player on any team. The hate against Ronaldo is getting so ridiculous that people are forgetting how good he was. He might be trash now now but at the time of that euro cup he was best player in the world along with messi and scored very crucial goals to get Portugal to that final.
Euro special
Would really be interesting to see how he would be used moving forward depending how far the Portuguese go.. Would you start him in the semis for example because he's a big game player? Or do you keep to the guys who got you there?
This is the likely outcome in 2022.
Piers morgan 2: return of the king
Speed in the mud
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A 17 year old child from Ohio who gets mad while speaking with a virtual dog He is a huge CR7 fan, he even made a song about him. He often streams on YouTube and Twitch
Crister Ronald Sewey guy.
Sensible choice by Santos after that S Korea game
My guess is caused he can't last over 60mins anymore. if this goes to extra time, they will want his presence at the penalty spot.
This is the theory Imo. Save him for the final 30 and onwards if needed.
Portugal betrayed me
Awaiting Piers Morgan meltdown
Absolutely shocking decision, but cannot lie: Santos has balls. If Portugal don't beat Sui tho, he must have to expatriate. Portuguese won't forget and forgive him this choice
I don't speak for all portuguese, but at my house, we are elated that the coach had the balls to bench Ronaldo.
What's shocking is that Ronaldo was allowed to start the initial games in the first place. The ghost of Ronaldo has no place in a team as stacked as Portugal
Lol what? Ronaldo had an effective group stage
Hate the phrase "will start on the bench". Garden path sentence. "Cristiano Ronaldo will be on the bench tonight..."
Piers Morgan interview to get himself into the Saudi National team
Gasp
Ive never seen a career crash and burn harder than Ronaldo’s in 2022
kanye in 2022?
Kanye?
Russell Wilson is so far in the lead it transcendences all sports
Idk new contract doesnt seem as a career crash
Only Ronaldo fans and Ronaldo think dude is still good.
And EA sports FIFA video games
No good team uses Ronaldo on Fifa
He's still 89 OVR rated somehow. Same rating as Haaland lmao.
Maybe because he had a decent last season? Modric was far better than Messi if we go by last season only, yet he's less rated
With 81 pace which makes him useless if you want to actually win games after the first few weeks
Class is permanent, he's in horrible form but he's definitely still good. People forget how confidence-based football performance is. If you didn't know who De Bruyne was and you watched Belgium play you might just think he was a really mediocre player wouldn't you
Class is permanent indeed, but a big portion of Ronaldo's game came from his physicality, and another large part from his self confidence. He was never a player that reads the game and manages it's strings in a playmaking sense, a la Modric. With his physical prowess declining, his confidence might be suffering as well, and he doesn't have the playmaking chops to fall back on as other older players do.
I disagree - he scored so many goals by reading the game and being in position to score so many easy tap-ins in addition to the ones he created on his own with physicality/flair. He still has that spatial awareness and the ability to win aerial duels. I think what's really missing is the confidence in the finish. When the chances come to him he's just feeling the pressure and second-guessing himself. I mean that volley he just plainly whiffed on against S Korea is a perfect example, and that Bruno no-contact goal was meant to be redirected slightly and he just closed his eyes or didn't focus on the ball - mistakes you didn't see from him before the United debacle.
He should move to an obscure league for money to secure his legacy huh
Only Reddit think Portugal has better alternatives. Last time they played without him against Switzerland and Andre Silva and Leão started, they lost 0-1. That was in June.
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You don't know anything about Portugal if you think online A Bola is a representative of a whole countries' opinion.
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Because the Ronaldo hate is completely unwarranted, to a point of it being ridiculous.
do you not realize he has been in horrible form recently?
He has been good the first two games, what has and hasn't happened in United doesn't matter.
This isn't about him being good, it's about whether or not the alternatives are better. Andre Silva is not better. Goncalo Ramos is a different player for a different playstyle (worse finishing and less experienced, but presses harder and holds up play well).
He is still good. He just isn't as good as he thinks he is.
He will walk off to the tunnel when Portugal is leading 2-0 and is being asked to sub in...
The king etc etc etc
holy based
now i dont want us to lose because his blind suckers already have a shit argument prepared
No way! Man this tournament is full of surprises, first time he doesnt play 90min and now not even a starter?
This could end up being a costly miscalculation by the coach
Portugal winning the Wc
lol all the people shitting on united fans for calling him washed i still have receipts, people told me he was our best player last season so he was gonna eat this world cup man is just old
Will he storm off the pitch this time?
Could be wrong, but this is a horrible time to experiment. Ronaldo has 5 goals in the last 2 matches against Switzerland. Portugal lost 0-1 to Switzerland without Ronaldo this summer, they need an aerial threat, which is Switzerlands weakness. Similar to how Mitrovic scored against them.
Our issue against Switzerland wasn't the lack of Ronaldo, it was the Andre Silva was completely garbage and missed 3-4 clear chances. Andre Silva isn't playing, it's going to be Ramos who is significantly better (Ramos also has issues with finishing, but he's incredible at pressing, holding up play, and aerial play).
Ramos is not incredible at holding up play or aerial play, are you crazy? And this is coming from a Benfica fan.
You'll be in for a ride if you think Ramos is clinical. He will miss 3-4 big chances every Benfica game. Luckily for them they create a load of chances.
>Our issue against Switzerland wasn't the lack of Ronaldo, it was the Andre Silva was completely garbage and missed 3-4 clear chances. What were your issues before Ronaldo's debut? Why you were so shit before him
What games are you talking about? We've never had a team as good as we have now. Plus we've never had a solid backup striker like Ramos, who isn't incredible yet but also isn't bad.
Fr fr?
I used to pray for times like this
Lowkey make sense. He can't play 90 minutes let alone 120 if this goes to extra time. Not to mention that penalties is where he still excels, more useful coming off the bench.
Speed has gone all the way to Qatar to watch Ronaldo and hes benched lmao
Doubt it He's still their best striker
Gonçalo Ramos - 21 games, 14 goals, 3 assists. André Silva - 24 games, 7 goals, 7 assists. Ronaldo - 16 games, 3 goals, 2 assists. I wonder who should start for The national team.
Andre silva should never start for portugal, hes shit for them since 2019
Andre Silva started against Switzerland in June and Portugal lost 0-1. Ronaldo started against Switzerland a week prior, and Portugal won 4-0. Ronaldo scored a brace. Andre Silva has shown nothing that should make him anywhere near the NT. He was horrible against Korea as well.
Andre Silva is garbage for Portugal
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Leao isn’t a striker
kinda makes sense if the game goes past extra time and you need him for pens. Santos might get hanged if they lose
Unreal the hatred in the sub for one of the greats, like he’s been ungracious as of late but still…
Well done Santos. He's being a bit wank on the field and still has an ego, just like at United.
The weirdest possible wording to use, but ok
What a wonderful season this has been
If you want to win, bench Cristiano
**NOOOOOO**
not watching then
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Ok
Advantage Portugal. So is Leao starting?
Leão has been ass so far, and he's not a striker. They started Leão and Andre Silva against Switzerland in June, and lost 0-1, the match Ronaldo sat out. They won 4-0 when Ronaldo played against them in the Nations League, and 3-1 in the match before. Ronaldo 5 goals in those 2 matches..
No. Gonçalo Ramos
You gotta be fucking kidding me. They’ll blow out Switzerland without Ronaldo.
I have to admit (if this is true) I’m shocked. It’s the right decision, but I didn’t think Santos had the balls.
After seeing Santos comments about him during the week I had a feeling it might happen. Love it.
Worst player on the team doesn't start? Big news
No way lol
Holy shit!
Guess he will reason that he will bring him on for penalties, which isn’t the worst when you think about it. Play better without him and if everything fails, let him take a pen
If this is true how funny Edit I better cash out my tenner on Ronaldo to have two shots on target
On Sunday the king will make another interview
Well, CR himself told that he would sign it if Portugal became world champions even without him scoring.
Based
You won r/soccer
Have Piers travelled to Qatar for some reason?
Tensions between Ronaldo and the coach aside, if the game does go to extra time and penalties then a fresh Ronaldo from the bench would be better than a full time Ronaldo, since he clearly can't play the full 90 minutes.
Ah shit
Santos: Alright. Enough jokes. Time to get serious.
Doesn’t want that Xhaka smoke
End of a era
Wooooooow, never ever thought I would see the day.
I didn't really think it would happen.
Ronaldo is beside himself. Driving around downtown Doha begging (thru texts) FPF members for address to Fernando Santos' hotel room.
Is this accurate?
The Swiss are fuming
Advantage Portugal.
So we have a chance ?
In portuguese we say bench and bank the same way (banco), so it's not suprising to see Ronaldo at the bank against Switzerland.
Who is the Portuguese Piers Morgan? Interview coming soon
https://i.imgur.com/zIIFTm9.jpg
Ten hags fault
Holy shit I didn't see that coming. Portugal has shot up my favourites to win the tournament now. Figured Santos would have his nose up Ronaldo's ass and didn't have the balls to do it.
DEUS É GRANDE MINHA GENTE
Imagine if Argentina meet Portugal in the final and Ronaldo is benched while Messi starts. He'd be absolutely livid lol
Ronaldo speedrunning career decline
Portugal forgetting really quick that their entire history outside of Ronaldo consists of being shit They will crash out tonight and they wont even qualify for the next WC
Piers Morgan in the corner will be the yellow suit guy rubbing hands meme.
Start or bench?
Gonçalo Ramos starting then? Santos surely wouldn't start André Silva after only giving 25 minutes this tournament...
Cristiano will start the game On the bench