Cristiano Ronaldo remains a key figure for the Portugal national football team as they prepare for the World Cup 2023. Following a red card incident in a World Cup 2026 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland, questions have arisen regarding his continued role in the squad. This was the first red card of his international career, potentially leading to a suspension for the opening match of the World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal’s Top Attacking Choice for World Cup 2023?
In Ronaldo’s absence, Portugal showcased their offensive strength by defeating Armenia 9-1 in a recent qualifier. This impressive victory confirmed their place in the World Cup finals, marking the second time Portugal has scored nine goals without Ronaldo in the lineup over the last two years.
Recent Performance Overview
- Match against Armenia: Result: 9-1
- Previous record without Ronaldo: 9-0 against Luxembourg (2024 European Championship Qualifiers)
Despite questions surrounding his fitness at age 40, Ronaldo has been a consistent scorer. He finished as Portugal’s top scorer in recent qualifying campaigns, netting 13 goals in 14 games. His contributions include a critical equalizer in the 2-2 Nations League final against Spain, which Portugal won on penalties.
Concerns and Potential Replacement Options
The concern about Ronaldo’s physicality continues to grow. He is no longer as quick as he once was and has covered the least ground among outfield players in the Nations League. Comparatively, younger players like Erling Haaland have outperformed him in both speed and distance covered.
Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martinez, is faced with a challenging dilemma. With the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and the potential suspension of Ronaldo, he has to consider whether to retain Ronaldo in the starting lineup or to rely on younger players like Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix, and Rafael Leao.
Forward Options for Portugal
- Gonçalo Ramos: 24 years old, has scored 8 goals in 7 appearances for Portugal.
- João Félix: 26 years old, prefers a role behind the striker.
- Rafael Leão: 26 years old, has limited experience as a center-forward at club level.
Ramos, in particular, has shown promise as a potential successor to Ronaldo, excelling when provided with starting opportunities in international fixtures.
Ronaldo’s Career and World Cup History
As the all-time leading goalscorer for Portugal with 143 international goals, Ronaldo’s experience is invaluable. However, his performance in recent major tournaments has been a concern, scoring only one goal in the last ten top-level games.
Historically, Ronaldo’s World Cup journey has seen Portugal reach the semi-finals in 2006, but they have not advanced to the final. With the upcoming tournament just months away, Portugal aims to leverage both Ronaldo’s legacy and the emerging talents within the team.
As Portugal readies for the World Cup, the strategic decisions made by Martinez will likely determine whether Ronaldo remains a pivotal part of their attacking strategy or if it’s time to usher in a new era of Portuguese football.
