Nations League: surprise, Cristiano Ronaldo starts on
By OnzeActu · · 4 min read
The highly anticipated clash between Erling Haaland's Norway and Portugal should have brought the two stars face to face, but Cristiano Ronaldo ultimately starts on the bench, a rare decision by coach Jorge Jesus.
According to Mundodeportivo.
Context
Cristiano Ronaldo, as an emblematic figure of Portuguese football, has been a pillar of the national team. His role, even as a substitute, remains essential in inspiring his teammates, notably Gonçalo Ramos and Joao Félix, who must now take on more offensive responsibilities.
Why it matters
Jorge Jesus' decision to leave Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench has significant implications for the Portuguese national team, particularly when it comes to the management of the 41-year-old legend's career. As Portugal aims to defend their UEFA Nations League title, Ronaldo's presence, even as a substitute, could influence the team's morale and its match impact in upcoming clashes.
Key points
- Nations League: surprise, Cristiano Ronaldo starts on.
- The highly anticipated clash between Erling Haaland's Norway and Portugal should have brought the two stars face to face, but Cristiano Ronaldo ultimately starts on the bench, a rare decision by coach Jorge Jesus.
- Nations League | Sorpresa: Cristiano Ronaldo, al banquillo.
Unexpected shock this evening at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo during the Nations League match between Norway and Portugal. Observers expected a prestigious duel between Erling Haaland, unstoppable Norwegian scorer, and Cristiano Ronaldo, Portuguese legend and one of the main attractions of the event. However, a few minutes before kick-off, Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus created a sensation by announcing that Ronaldo would not start the match.
This decision by Jorge Jesus is all the more surprising given that it has been two years since Cristiano Ronaldo started a match for the Portuguese selection on the bench. The last time was on September 8, 2024, during a Nations League match against Scotland (2-1), during which CR7 entered at half-time to score the decisive goal in the 88th minute.
Jorge Jesus wanted to justify his choice, highlighting the physical management of the 41-year-old player: “Today is the third day. Ronaldo played almost 70 minutes at Alvalade and I consider that he could not make two consecutive starts.” The Lusitanian coach, however, insists on the essential role of his star: “We hope to count on Ronaldo for all of the next four matches, perhaps with fewer minutes, but we want him to remain decisive.”
For this meeting against Norway, it was Gonçalo Ramos who was preferred at the forefront of the Portuguese attack. He will be accompanied in particular by Joao Félix, scorer of the goal in the victory against Wales (1-0), and Joao Neves. Opposite, Stale Solbakken, the Norwegian coach, well aligns his star Erling Haaland, who remains on a successful double during his team's victory against Denmark (3-2) a few days earlier.
Portugal, defending Nations League holders, are preparing a series of four crucial matches for the rest of the competition with a squad that is both experienced and renewed. The Selecção will visit Denmark next Thursday before returning to Norway, this time at home, on October 4. This choice by Jorge Jesus to spare Cristiano Ronaldo questions and proves that management of executives has become a science in its own right, even in major selections.
Frequently asked questions
What is the score of the Norway vs Portugal match?
The score of the match is not mentioned in the article.
How does Jorge Jesus' decision to sit Cristiano Ronaldo impact the Nations League standings?
The impact on the Nations League ranking is not specified in the article.
When is the Portuguese selection's next match in the Nations League?
The next match of the Portuguese selection is not mentioned in the article.
Who was chosen as the main striker for Portugal against Norway?
Gonçalo Ramos was chosen as main striker for Portugal against Norway.
Why did Cristiano Ronaldo start on the bench against Norway?
Cristiano Ronaldo started on the bench for physical management reasons, according to coach Jorge Jesus.