"If Cristiano Ronaldo was born in Brazil, he would win 2 World Cups" - Argentine analyst makes bold assessment of 'non-competitive' Portugal
Argentine analyst Dani Osvaldo recently claimed that Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo would have won two FIFA World Cup titles if he was born in Brazil instead. He made the claim back in April while assessing Portugal's chances at EURO 2024, soon after Roberto Martinez's side lost 2-0 to Slovenia in a pre-EURO friendly.
Ronaldo is regarded as one of the greatest players in footballing history. He holds the record for the most goals (130) and appearances (208) in international football, showcasing his impeccable longevity and fitness.
However, it took him 13 years of hardwork, since his Portugal debut in August 2003, to lift the first trophy in his nation's history in the form of EURO 2016. He also inspired his side to another title, the inaugural UEFA Nations League, in 2019.
Yet, he has always fallen short at the FIFA World Cup. Portugal's best ever World Cup campaign with Ronaldo was a fourth-place finish at the 2006 edition. They made the quarter-finals in 2022, the Round of 16 in 2018 and 2010 and failed to even get out of their group in 2014.
Osvaldo believed that the Portuguese maestro would have experienced way more success if he was Brazilian. He said (via CristianoXtra on X):
"It is not Cristiano's fault that he was born in a non-competitive country like Portugal and has no football tradition. If Cristiano Ronaldo were born in Brazil, he would simply win two World Cups."
Up next, Portugal will take on Turkiye on June 22 at the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund in their bid to win a third major international trophy.
"He's a genius" - Czechia coach lavishes praise on Cristiano Ronaldo after his side's 1-2 loss vs Portugal
Czechia coach Ivan Hasek lavished praise on opposition marksman Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal's 2-1 win over his side at EURO 2024. Despite the 39-year-old's failure to get on the scoresheet, Hasek labelled him 'a genius' and praised his magnificent offensive instincts.
Speaking to reporters at a post-match press conference, Hasek said (via Goal):
"We played against one of the best teams in the world and I was very angry about conceding a goal so close to the end. Ronaldo is incredible that, at his age, he continues to play like this. He's a genius. The way he is able to find a way to shoot at goal in a short space of space is incredible. He's one of the best players of all time, without a doubt."
The Al-Nassr superstar had 3/5 shots on target (60%), completed all 22 of his passes (100%) and created two chances (one big chance) for his teammates. He had two strong low shots palmed away by Czechia shotstopper Jindrich Stanek and even hit the post late in the game.