"Will carry Portugal as usual" - Fans react as Cristiano Ronaldo starts for Portugal in Nations League clash against Scotland
Netizens have reacted to Cristiano Ronaldo starting for Portugal in their UEFA Nations League clash against Scotland on Tuesday (October 15) at Hampden Park. A Selecao have had a perfect start to their Nations League campaign, registering three wins out of three and sitting comfortably atop their group.
Manager Roberto Martinez has opted for a three-man frontline consisting of Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota, and Francisco Conceição. Bruno Fernandes, Joao Palhinha, and Vitinha will man the midfield while Nuno Mendes, Ruben Dias, Antonio Silva, and Joao Cancelo will form the Portuguese backline against Scotland. Finally, Diogo Costa starts as the goalkeeper for the visitors.
Fans on X gave their opinions on Portugal's starting lineup, especially the inclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo. Some popular reactions are as follows:
"Ronaldo will carry Portugal as usual," wrote a fan on X.
"This goat is ready to feast," opined another.
One fan referred to his iconic 'Siu' celebration, tweeting:
"Another day to hit the Siuuu celebration"
"Scotland to get pumped," one fan chimed in.
One fan predicted that Cristiano Ronaldo would score and break records at Hampden Park.
"Time for Ronaldo to break another record," wrote the fan on X.
"Ronaldo the goat," declared another.
A Selecao have a historical advantage against Scotland, having won nine out of the 16 games they have played so far. Scotland, meanwhile, have mustered just four wins and three have ended in a stalemate.
Furthermore, the Iberian outfit are unbeaten in their last seven games against Scotland across competitions. Their last defeat against the Scots came in 1980 by a scoreline of 4-1.
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score 900 career goals in Portugal's UEFA Nations League opener against Croatia
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player in football history to score 900 goals for club and country on September 5, 2024. The Portuguese legend achieved this feat in his side's UEFA Nations League opener against Croatia at Estadio da Luz.
Ronaldo entered the exclusive 900-goal club in the 34th minute after Diogo Dalot had already given A Selecao the lead in the seventh minute of the game. It also marked the first time he scored in six competitive games for Portugal, having drawn a rare blank in five games at Euro 2024. France knocked Portugal out on penalties in the quarter-final.
Ronaldo has scored 133 goals for Portugal since his debut in August 2003 and will be hoping to improve that tally against Scotland.