‘Pandering’ coach gone as Ronaldo ‘egotism’ costs Portugal
Updated . First published
Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo are facing a fierce wave of backlash following their exit from the FIFA World Cup after a 1-0 loss to Spain on Tuesday (AEST).
After a 93rd minute goal for Mikel Merino, Portugal’s campaign was torn to shreds by fans and pundits, who dissected the bitter defeat and the end of an era.
Ronaldo was in tears as he left the field. AP Photo/Gareth Patterson
With this loss, Portugal must wait another four years for a shot at football’s ultimate prize.
For the 41-year-old Ronaldo, however, time has officially run out.
The defeat marked his eighth career World Cup loss, a grim record that sees him tied for the most losses by an individual player in the tournament’s history.
Wayne Rooney delivered his perspective on his former Manchester United teammate, arguing that senior players must step up for Portugal to finally deliver.
“This is the start of a new era when you lose a player like Ronaldo. Maybe a few players have felt in the shadow of him - which is normal because of what he has done in the game,” Rooney said on BBC.
“For other players, it’s time to go and be the main man. It’s a new opportunity for senior players to take responsibility and younger players to come through.”
Ultimately, Ronaldo’s national team career ends not with a bang, but a whimper.
Despite collecting most major accolades and trophies available in club football, the elusive World Cup trophy will remain the one that got away.
Ronaldo was scolded online after the loss, while others leapt to his defence and shifted the blame to coach Roberto Martinez.
“How can you pander to a player so much? His job was to try and win the World Cup and put the best team out for Portugal,” former England striker Chris Sutton said on BBC after the round of 16 exit.
“Has he done that? Absolutely not. It’s scandalous the way he has managed this team. He made a mess of Belgium when they had an opportunity of really doing great things with that golden generation; they ended up Belgian buffoons.
“Now Portugal, it was pathetic to see a manager act in that manner, it really is.”
The retiring superstar’s ego and behaviour was called into question, with the Ronaldo era finishing without a World Cup trophy despite the talent around him.
His international career finishes with 146 goals in 233 appearances, making him the all-time leader at the international level.
Ronaldo won’t be the only figure involved with the Portugal set-up after the defeat, with Martinez also confirming he would step aside.
“My contract ends today, it is the end of the cycle, and it’s important to have a new voice now,” the outgoing coach said post-match.
“I gave my entire life [to this]. I came to Portugal with the objective of winning the World Cup. Because I have not won it, it would not have made sense to continue.”
Spain will now face the winner of USA and Belgium in the quarter finals.
