Cristiano Ronaldo will not be involved in Portugal’s final group game of the UEFA Nations League against Croatia on November 18, as confirmed by head coach, Roberto Martinez.
The Portugal national team cemented its spot at the top of the Nations League group with a commanding 5-1 win over Poland last Friday. With qualification secured and no pressure on the upcoming match against Croatia, the Portugal manager has opted to rest four key players: Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Pedro Neto, and Bruno Fernandes.
The move sparked some debate, but Martínez clarified that his goal is to use the final group match to evaluate emerging talents and provide opportunities for younger players. Additionally, granting an early rest benefits the clubs of the released players, enabling them to return in better shape for their domestic campaigns.
Speaking to reporters after the Poland clash, Martinez said, “In the first stage, we made six changes from one game to the next. It’s important for us to be first, and we already are. We need to be competitive to add to the group, it’s getting harder and harder to get into the starting eleven. There’s a World Cup final in 18 months.”
“The game against Croatia is important, we need to look at other players. We’re going to let go of Bernardo Silva, Pedro Neto, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Bruno Fernandes, who is suspended. We’re going to call up Fábio Silva and Quenda for the Under-21s.”
🚨🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto and Bernardo Silva are set to return to their clubs after tonight’s game.
Portugal qualified to Nations League quarter finals and coach Roberto Martínez will call Fábio Silva and Geovany Quenda. pic.twitter.com/c3UZ4i66NG
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 15, 2024
At 39, Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a stellar performance against Poland, netting two goals. His early release allows him to take a well-earned break before returning to Al-Nassr for their Saudi League clash against Al-Qadisiyah on November 22.
Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva, Pedro Neto, and Bruno Fernandes will head back to their respective clubs, a decision, which is a boost for the clubs, as they can rely on their star players being well-rested and in top shape following the international break.
Fielding a second-string side greatly simplifies Croatia’s challenge, as Zlatko Dalic’s team needs only a draw to book their spot in the quarterfinals. The under-strength Portuguese lineup could offer them an ideal chance to reach their target.
Along with Portugal; France, Italy, Germany, and Spain, have all secured a place in the last 8 of the competition, which is scheduled to take place from March 20 to 23, 2025.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
