According to ESPN, Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes in all three FIFA World Cup group stage matches, sparking controversy.
According to ESPN, Ronaldo could barely move in the final stages of Portugal's 0-0 draw with Uruguay. This is perhaps not surprising given the extreme heat and humidity in Florida. The real-feel temperature at kickoff was approximately 41 degrees Celsius. But it also raises a question: in such an exhausting match, why was a 41-year-old player, participating in his sixth FIFA World Cup, still on the field when the referee blew the final whistle after five minutes of injury time?
The seemingly indispensable Portuguese captain appears to be a player who cannot be substituted, even though substituting him might have benefited both himself and the team. In the last half hour under Miami's harsh weather, Ronaldo had little impact and should have been replaced. His xG of only 0.17 and xA of only 0.03 for the entire match summarize his performance and illustrate the futility of this approach.
Martinez's team will next face Croatia in the Round of 16. Ronaldo played all 270 minutes of Portugal's group stage matches. Including injury time from these matches, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward has likely played approximately 300 minutes in this FIFA World Cup.
Everyone knows that Ronaldo, now in his 40s, is in unusually good physical condition. He has always been the best example of how discipline and professionalism pay off, but he is already 41 years old. Therefore, even Ronaldo needs his playing time managed. However, Martinez was unwilling or unable to rest his star player, and ultimately no one benefited.
Nevertheless, the Portuguese coach insisted that Ronaldo can perform no matter how long he plays.
Martinez said: "Cristiano is used to being in the right place at the right time. He is disciplined and strong, both mentally and physically. Playing 90 minutes is not a problem for Cristiano, but you can't predict the next game. We have used 21 outfield players, so we are distributing playing time."
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Huuailnstu
0
Last world cup this was the agenda they made for the coach to bench him against Morocco too and we saw what happened
Last world cup he was 37 years old
Jehbcelotz
0
The real dictator meme??? Definitely too real to be funny
Jehbcelotz
0
foolish Coach deserves to be sacked, even Messi da real goat rested a bit
The coach decides nothing
Jehbcelotz
0
fuck off allfootball
🤣🤣🤣🤣so sensitive. He sucks. It’s factual. It’s probably best you stop reading the comments indeed
Keccdikltu
0
Ronaldo fans trying to explain why he didn't score last night
hutbenosz
0
Ronaldo want to make every single record
Record indeed 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
MazyLife
0
Last world cup this was the agenda they made for the coach to bench him against Morocco too and we saw what happened
That’s such a silly statement. He barely tricked the Moroccan defenders but interestingly is that coming in late meant he was fresher and at least could make some runs that could lead to goal threats. Watch Lautaro, Dembele, Mbappe and you’ll realise how much pressure they create for the opposition as a striker and you’d have to become more honest with yourself about Ronaldo starting from the bench or when it’s too hard for him bringing on a second striker. He doesn’t trouble unknown defenders
namekprz
0
I'm back against low level team ,,yesterday he was missing
muzbdekmoz
0
Last world cup this was the agenda they made for the coach to bench him against Morocco too and we saw what happened
What did he do when he played in the last world cup? He scored one goal which was a penalty, he came on in the game he was benched and didn't score either, so what's the excuse?
muzbdekmoz
1
Messi make little impact in the minutes he played nobody is talking about it but when the goat did they make noise why always him
Your goat has no impact at all, Messi even with his little impact and less minutes played has 6 goals already, that's the difference.
muzbdekmoz
2
Messi played 63 team on FIFA ranking Ronaldo played 12 position teams in FIFA ranking
Is that Messi's fault? Anything about your Ronaldo, you guys must find a way to attach Messi, how does this concern Messi?
ElishaMathias
2
Messi played 63 team on FIFA ranking Ronaldo played 12 position teams in FIFA ranking
keep saying that and u'll never reach the final Argentina last edition played high ranked opponents to win the title still he played better so keep seeking lesser ranks to lift the trophy as if it's a betting not football
Mackenziethemi47
0
fuck off allfootball
Dubaimsz
3
Messi played 63 team on FIFA ranking Ronaldo played 12 position teams in FIFA ranking
Dubaimsz
0
Messi make little impact in the minutes he played nobody is talking about it but when the goat did they make noise why always him
LibraLeo
1
Ronaldo want to make every single record
Don Zayo
0
Last world cup this was the agenda they made for the coach to bench him against Morocco too and we saw what happened
GaddafiJamal
0
he was the bestt why hating???? he deserved the Man of the match💔
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
AFerZyuQ7329
0
Pls wen they’re eliminated u can bench him he’s doing well
Am just happy for him
GaddafiJamal
0
Nothing good comes out of that channel...we know they're haters...from time in memorial
Lmao 🤣🤣
yenabcopy
0
The. game was fixed I think football is all about Ronaldo. If other teams loses nothing is said but when Portugal lose its Ronaldo
i don't even know why
GaddafiJamal
0
Pls wen they’re eliminated u can bench him he’s doing well
Aah 🤣🤣
AFerZyuQ7329
3
Pls wen they’re eliminated u can bench him he’s doing well
Jayadnosy
1
ivory cost
bendekpyz
0
ronaldo you will win world cup inshallah
Othai
3
foolish Coach deserves to be sacked, even Messi da real goat rested a bit
faodilptz
0
y are u crying? is Portugal not qualified for the next round?
Techniciansy2k
6
Plz don't bench him. As portugal's opponents, we like it that way 😎
Kukbeosuy
1
cr7
keabilmnps
2
stupid CR7,he must be on bench
keabilmnps
1
CR7 is a finished player
loaklmpsyz
0
Hi c,Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes in all three FlFA World Cup group stage matches, sparking controversy
IbnMubarik
3
Opposing teams and players no longer fear Cristiano Ronaldo, what is now feared about Ronaldo is his reputation
ORUVAL3
0
The. game was fixed I think football is all about Ronaldo. If other teams loses nothing is said but when Portugal lose its Ronaldo
tell'em bro!!
ORUVAL3
1
Nothing good comes out of that channel...we know they're haters...from time in memorial
Vetcempuy
2
they didn't play Uruguay
LINJAyoutube44
0
he was the bestt why hating???? he deserved the Man of the match💔
💔😡😡😡😡
LINJAyoutube44
1
he was the bestt why hating???? he deserved the Man of the match💔
Charlesugwu
3
He is still very young at heart. If I were his teammates, I would unintentionally give him a knocck in training. This way, he stays on the bench in the next game
Aditu-Olodumare
0
you guys can breathe without Ronaldo
Bucaertuz
4
The. game was fixed I think football is all about Ronaldo. If other teams loses nothing is said but when Portugal lose its Ronaldo
jimclnou
2
But he is back
Yaucimnoy
2
stupid post