Portugal supporters mocked Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo for yet another terrible performance in the UEFA Nations League against Spain.
Alvaro Morata scored in the 88th minute to give Portugal a 1-0 victory. While Portugal played well for the majority of the game, its defence was caught off guard in the end. Nico Williams leaped over Joao Cancelo to head the ball into the path of Morata.
Fans Reactions on Ronaldo’s performance against Spain
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner delivered a dismal showing. Fans in Portugal demanded that the player be removed from the team. They say the out-of-form player, who appears to be past his prime, is currently holding his team back.
One fan said, “Cristiano Ronaldo is beyond finished, he’s holding Portugal back”.
Another tweeted “There is absolutely zero explanation for Cristiano Ronaldo to still be a starter for Portugal in 2022. Not when there’s Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto, João Félix and so many other talented players waiting in the wings. Another anonymous performance from him today”.
A third added, “Portuguese newspaper saying Portugal would be better without Ronaldo”.
Portugal and Ronaldo’s performance
Throughout the game, the 2016 European winners produced multiple chances. Some of them were smitten with Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the 37-year-old was unhappy throughout the night, a scene that has become all too familiar to supporters this season.
Midway through the second half, Diogo Jota introduced the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. With his feeble effort, the No. 7 couldn’t even warm up Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon.
He then had a late-game opportunity to equalise after finding himself in shooting range. Once again, punching Simon was his best option.
Throughout the game, he was lack of positional awareness it was evident. In the second half, he had a fantastic opportunity to put his team ahead. He did, however, criticise his teammates for failing to alert him to the presence of a defender behind him.
Cristiano has only scored one goal in ten appearances for club and country this season. That goal, though, was scored from the penalty spot.
Based on his recent results, one may conclude that he is just no longer good enough. The stats never lie, no matter how harsh it may sound, and it may be time for the icon to hang up his boots.
