PORTO: Cristiano Ronaldo is approaching his sixth FIFA World Cup with the same enthusiasm and commitment he showed at his first tournament two decades ago, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said as he praised the veteran forward’s enduring influence on the national team.
Portugal begins their World Cup campaign against DR Congo on Wednesday, among the favourites to lift the trophy for the first time, with Ronaldo once again expected to lead the attack.
The 41-year-old’s continued presence in the squad has prompted debate over his role in a team blessed with one of the most talented generations in Portuguese football history.
However, Martinez dismissed any doubts about the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s importance.
Ronaldo Still Key to Portugal’s Attack
“He is an example and a reference for football,” Martinez told reporters ahead of Portugal’s opening match.
“For all those children on the street who begin to feel the love for sport, following the example of Cristiano Ronaldo is wonderful.
“It is his sixth World Cup, but I can say that internally it seems to be his first World Cup in terms of intensity, in terms of emotional output, of how important it is for him to be prepared to lead the group.”
Martinez said Ronaldo remains a crucial component of Portugal’s attacking system, pointing to his movement, finishing ability and experience.
“Within the team he is a vital player because he is the finisher, he is the player in the penalty area, he is the player who has those movements that can open spaces for other players,” he said.
No player in men’s international football history has scored more goals than Ronaldo, who has netted 143 times for Portugal.
Fernandes Backs Portugal’s Title Ambitions
Portugal captain Bruno Fernandes also highlighted Ronaldo’s influence on the squad, saying many members of the current team grew up watching him represent the national side.
“All of us in this national team have grown up watching Cristiano Ronaldo play and for us it’s such an honour to play next to him now in the same team,” said the Manchester United midfielder.
“We’re all here to support him and to support Portugal to go as far as possible.”
Fernandes is part of a highly rated midfield that includes Paris Saint-Germain duo Vitinha and Joao Neves, while Bernardo Silva is reportedly set to join Real Madrid after a successful spell at Manchester City.
“We have a very strong team, great individual quality,” Fernandes said.
“Obviously our dream is to be there (winning the World Cup) and I think that dreaming is not forbidden.”
No Easy Games at the World Cup
Portugal has been drawn alongside DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K, but Martinez warned against complacency despite his side’s status as favourites.
The Spaniard pointed to recent surprises at the tournament, including Spain’s goalless draw with Cape Verde, as evidence that every match presents a challenge.
“We’ve got very little to win tomorrow from the outside,” Martinez said.
“If you win against Congo, it’s expected. If you draw, it’s a catastrophe. If you lose, this is the end of the world.”
He added that teams arriving without expectations often prove dangerous opponents on football’s biggest stage.
Martinez Confirms Exit Plans After Tournament
Martinez also confirmed that he is expected to leave his position after the World Cup when his contract expires.
“My contract ends after the World Cup. This is not news, this is just a fact,” he said.
“We’re now focused on finishing the work that we’ve begun three-and-a-half years ago.
“When I came to Portugal, the focus was to try to win everything, but most importantly to prepare for the World Cup.”
With Ronaldo preparing for yet another appearance on football’s biggest stage and a talented squad assembled around him, Portugal believes they have a genuine opportunity to challenge for the one major trophy that has so far eluded them.
