“Cristiano can’t play two 90-minute games in 72 hours” - Roberto Martinez makes admission on Cristiano Ronaldo starting on the bench vs Scotland
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has opened up about managing Cristiano Ronaldo's minutes with the national side. It comes after the forward started on the bench in their UEFA Nations League clash against Scotland on Sunday, September 8.
Cristiano Ronaldo was named among the substitutes at the Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica on Sunday before being subbed off in the second half. Scotland took the lead in the seventh minute through Scott McTominay. Bruno Fernandes restored parity in the 54th minute before Ronaldo scored the winner in the 88th minute.
After the game, Roberto Martinez explained the reason behind the 39-year-old forward starting on the bench, saying (via O Jogo):
"Cristiano is in a good moment. It's September, he's played three games, he's scored for his club. We need to protect all the players. Cristiano can't play two 90-minute games in 72 hours.
"Today the important thing was that, if he needed to be on the pitch, it was to finish the game and not to start it. I really liked his commitment, he's ready to do what the team needs and be decisive once again.”
Cristiano Ronaldo started in Portugal's 2-1 against Croatia on September 5 and also scored the winner before being subbed off in the 88th minute. The goal against Croatia marked his 900th career goal and he added another against Scotland.
Roy Keane reacts to Cristiano Ronaldo reaching 900 goals after his Euro 2024 performance
Cristiano Ronaldo had a disappointing UEFA Euro 2024 in terms of output with Portugal. He provided just one assist and failed to score in regulation time, including one missed penalty. He did convert two penalties in two penalty shootouts but A Selecao were eliminated in the quarter-finals by France.
There was speculation whether Ronaldo might retire after the tournament. However, he hasn't and continues to show his excellence with the national side. He became the first male player to score 900 goals after netting against Croatia on September 5.
Reacting to Ronaldo's achievement, Manchester United legend Roy Keane said on ITV Sport (via Goal):
"That was a bit of an issue. [Referring to his lack of impact at Euro 2024]. But (he's reached) 900 goals. If you put the ball in those areas he's still the best in the world."
Cristiano Ronaldo will now return to his club Al-Nassr as they prepare to host Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League on Friday, September 13.