Cristiano Ronaldo is 41 and still coming to the World Cup. He refuses to leave, like a stubborn uncle at the end of a party. Behind the Ronaldo story, though, Portugal have a frightening squad. Rafael Leão is a speed merchant at AC Milan, Bruno Fernandes runs everything at Manchester United, and this may be the most talented group of players Portugal have ever taken to a tournament. The question is whether Ronaldo helps them or holds them back.
Roberto Martínez is the manager, and Portugal sit around 6th in the FIFA ranking.
Is Ronaldo now Portugal's biggest problem?
Look at what is around him first. Leão is one of the fastest and most skilful wingers in the world, and at full speed with the ball he is frightening. Fernandes is a creative machine with world-class passing, shooting and set-piece delivery. The depth is absurd: Bernardo Silva, João Félix and Rúben Dias would all start for most teams. They won Euro 2016 and the Nations League, so they know how to win. Martínez, who took Belgium to the 2018 World Cup semi-final, has made them more attacking and dynamic.
That brings us back to Ronaldo. If he accepts a smaller role, Portugal could win the World Cup with this squad. If he insists on starting every game at 41, it could cost them. The talent is enormous. Managing the ego is the real job.
Tomorrow: number 5.
