Cristiano Ronaldo: Heading to his Sixth World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing to play in his sixth World Cup, despite not having participated in the match that secured his team’s qualification. Portugal secured their ticket to next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico with a resounding 9-1 victory over Armenia on Sunday. Ronaldo, absent from the match in Porto due to suspension, saw how Portugal, without his presence, guaranteed their opportunity to participate in a historic sixth World Cup. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner will be 41 years old when the tournament begins in June next year. Recently, Ronaldo expressed that this could be his last chance to conquer the only important title he lacks. It is expected that, if he maintains his physical form, he will be part of the team led by coach Roberto Martínez, although he could be suspended for up to two matches following the red card received in the 2-0 defeat against Ireland on Thursday. That unexpected defeat forced Portugal to beat Armenia to secure first place in Group F. Bruno Fernandes and João Neves’ hat-tricks ensured there were no surprises.Hungary had the opportunity to surpass Portugal at the top of the group, but suffered a surprising comeback from Ireland, losing 3-2 in Budapest. Both Ronaldo and his great rival, Lionel Messi, will participate in their sixth World Cup if they compete in next year’s tournament. They will surpass legends like Lothar Matthäus of Germany, who participated in five. The current champion, Argentina, has already secured its place, and Messi fulfilled his ambition of leading Argentina to the title in Qatar in 2022. Ronaldo, who has won the European Championship and two Nations League titles with Portugal, is still looking to add the World Cup to his impressive list of achievements, which includes five Champions Leagues and league titles in England, Spain, and Italy. Despite being near the end of his career and having left elite European football to play in Saudi Arabia, he has continued to enrich his remarkable career. He led Portugal to victory in the Nations League earlier this year and, last month, became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualifying history with 41 goals. The suspension prevented him from increasing that figure on Sunday, but Portugal’s goals were not lacking in his absence. Fernandes’ hat-trick included two penalties. Neves scored twice in the first half and completed his hat-trick with a goal in the 81st minute.Today we saw our team at its best: committed, supportive, and executing the game plan excellently.
Roberto Martínez, Portugal coach
