"Not watching till second half", "We will not be there" - Fans react as Cristiano Ronaldo benched for Portugal's clash against Scotland
Fans have reacted in dismay on X after Roberto Martinez excluded Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal's starting XI to face Scotland. The two European nations are set to lock horns in their 2024 Nations League clash at Estadio da Luz later tonight (Sunday, September 8).
Diogo Costa starts in goal for Portugal. Nelson Semedo, Antonio Silva, Ruben Dias, and Nuno Mendes make up the defense. The midfield consists of Joao Palhinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva. Rafael Leao, Pedro Neto, and Diogo Jota start up front to complete the starting XI, with Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench.
Cristiano Ronaldo started and starred in A Selecao's 2-1 Nations League win against Croatia (September 5), scoring his 900th career goal in the fixture. However, he will have to attempt to extend this record as a potential substitute against Scotland.
One fan reacted to Martinez resting Ronaldo by posting:
"Am not watching till second half."
Another fan tweeted:
"We will not be there."
Other fans also had their say:
"Ronaldo on the bench doesn't suit him," one fan commented
"No football today," another insisted
"Hate watching then," one fan tweeted
"Why tf is Ronaldo benched he had such great performance vs Croatia?" one fan questioned
"The viewership of this game just decreased 70% who tf watches Portugal just to watch them, there’s only one reason people watch them and it’s number 7," one boldly typed
"It depends on whether he feels good" - Bruno Fernandes provides response when asked if Cristiano Ronaldo will feature for Portugal in 2026 FIFA World Cup
Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes recently stated that Cristiano Ronaldo could feature for Portugal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup if the latter felt he was still operating at a high level. However, he insisted only Ronaldo would make this decision.
Following Ronaldo's goal in their 2-1 win against Croatia earlier this week, Fernandes said (via GOAL):
“It’s his [Ronaldo's] decision and it depends on whether he feels good and at a high level. We know that he is capable of reaching a certain age with this great level of demand, but it is up to him to decide and I am sure that he will decide in favour of his wellbeing and the national team.”
Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest men's international goalscorer of all time with 131 goals and 45 assists in 213 appearances across all competitions. Even though he will be 41 at the time, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner would arguably still be capable of helping his nation win their maiden World Cup trophy.
However, the 39-year-old has notably struggled for Portugal in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2024, scoring just one goal and providing one assist in 10 appearances in both competitions.