Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has shed light on his decision to substitute Cristiano Ronaldo in the 63rd minute of their 3-1 Nations League victory over Poland, according to Sportskeeda. Despite Ronaldo scoring his 133rd goal for Portugal, Martinez opted to bring on Diogo Jota, sparking curiosity among fans and pundits.
Martinez attributed the substitution to fixture congestion and player management. "It's part of managing players when you have two games in 72 hours," he explained. "Diogo Jota came on very well. Cristiano is perfect."
Ronaldo's impressive start saw him rattle the crossbar within 11 minutes, followed by Bernardo Silva's opening goal and his own rebound strike in the 37th minute. However, Poland's Piotr Zielinski reduced the deficit before Jan Bednarek's own goal sealed Portugal's win.
Martinez's decision has fueled debate about Ronaldo's role in the squad. Pundit Tomas da Cunha argued that Ronaldo's "untouchable status" stifles younger talent, citing underwhelming performances in major tournaments. "The whole debate is not about his age... Ronaldo left a lot to be desired in the last World Cup and Euros."
Da Cunha's comments underscore concerns about Ronaldo's influence on Portugal's gameplay. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Martinez faces pressure to reassess Ronaldo's position and integrate emerging players.
Ronaldo, 39, will be 41 by the 2026 World Cup. His scoring record and experience are invaluable, but Martinez must balance individual talent with team dynamics.
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