Cristiano Ronaldo's performance in Portugal's opening World Cup match against the Democratic Republic of Congo has sparked a debate about his role on the team and the impact of his aging career on the squad's success. While Portugal started strong, with a goal befitting a contender, Ronaldo's presence on the field seemed to hinder their progress, as they ended up drawing 1-1. The 41-year-old's rivalry with Lionel Messi has become more trivial over time, and his performance at the World Cup has only highlighted his diminishing impact on the game.
One thing that immediately stands out is the amount of time Ronaldo is spending on the field. According to ESPN, he has played 396 of a possible 420 minutes at Portugal's last four matches in major competitions, and on Wednesday, he was somehow out there for the full 90 minutes. Manager Roberto Martinez's decision to keep Ronaldo in the starting XI, despite his lack of influence and goal-scoring prowess, is a mystery. In my opinion, it's a strategic mistake to keep an aging great in the starting lineup if they are no longer the focal point of the team's attacks.
The lack of goals is less concerning than the amount of time Ronaldo is spending on the field. There is nothing wrong with a national team, even one as good as Portugal, handing a World Cup roster spot to an aging great. However, it's concerning that Ronaldo's presence on the field is holding the team hostage. His mentality seems to be the problem, as he is fixated on his rivalry with Messi and his own goal-scoring record, rather than thinking about winning the game for his team. This raises a deeper question: is Ronaldo's ego getting in the way of the team's success?
What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between Ronaldo's performance and that of other stars like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé, who have dominated their opening games. In my opinion, Ronaldo's decline is a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of athletic greatness. The fact that he is still playing at the World Cup is a testament to his longevity, but it also highlights the fact that he is no longer the force he once was. The question remains: can Portugal win the World Cup with Ronaldo holding them hostage?
From my perspective, the answer is no. While Portugal may be able to win games with Ronaldo in the lineup, it's not a sustainable strategy. The team needs to find a way to move on from Ronaldo and build a new identity around younger, more dynamic players. The fact that Ronaldo is still playing at the World Cup is a reminder of the importance of succession planning in sports. It's time for Portugal to move on from Ronaldo and embrace a new era of football.
