A fleeting glance through Portuguese newspapers and social media will be enough to tell you just how much expectation rests on Cristiano Ronaldo’s shoulders in Russia this summer.
Despite two years passing since his nation became European champions in France, there is very little to suggest Fernando Santos’s side have become any less reliant on their superstar.
That said, when it comes to football's global showpiece, Ronaldo's record is by no means spectacular. He's scored just three times in 13 World Cup games and is involved in a goal once every 222 minutes.
A run of terrible pre-tournament form, an ageing defence and an opening match against Spain has unquestionably left fans somewhat disheartened. But when Ronaldo is around anything feels possible, despite his failure to reach his best form on the biggest stage.
The 33-year-old’s influence on the national team is clear to see. They have lost just once in 29 competitive matches and Ronaldo was missing for that opening World Cup qualifier against Switzerland.
After missing that sobering defeat in Basel, Ronaldo returned to fitness, scored 15 goals and inspired his country to win their remaining nine matches as they scraped top spot in Group B.
He makes all the difference,’ Jose Fonte, one member of the veteran-filled back line, recently told the Daily Telegraph.
‘When you have the best player in the world in your team, it is automatic. Immediately, the other team is more scared. They have doubts in their mind — “should I go, should I not go” — and he can create that just with his presence on the pitch.’
It is likely Russia will present Ronaldo with his final chance to win that elusive World Cup and he will want to go out with a bang. Victory in France in 2016 was somewhat bittersweet. Yes, his nation won their first major tournament but Ronaldo was robbed of his iconic moment in Paris by a knee injury.
He makes all the difference,’ Jose Fonte, one member of the veteran-filled back line, recently told the Daily Telegraph.
‘When you have the best player in the world in your team, it is automatic. Immediately, the other team is more scared. They have doubts in their mind — “should I go, should I not go” — and he can create that just with his presence on the pitch.’
It is likely Russia will present Ronaldo with his final chance to win that elusive World Cup and he will want to go out with a bang. Victory in France in 2016 was somewhat bittersweet. Yes, his nation won their first major tournament but Ronaldo was robbed of his iconic moment in Paris by a knee injury.
Portugal crashed out of Group G and the striker could not deliver his team to the knockout stages. He's only provided two assists, has taken 18 free-kicks without scoring and Ronaldo's shot conversion rate hovers at a measly five percent at World Cups.
The 33-year-old will be desperate to improve his record this summer and produce the kind of stunning form fans see at Real year in, year out.
He also has personal conflicts at stake this summer and victory would take him one step above old foe Lionel Messi, whose international finals with Argentina have all ended in defeat so far.
It would even tighten the race in the debate about who is the greatest of all time. In terms of achievements, if Messi deserves a place at the same table as Pele and Diego Maradona, then certainly so does Ronaldo.
After their Group B opener against the Spanish on Friday night, Portugal will then take on Iran and Morocco feeling confident of at least reaching the knockout stages. Defeat against Spain and a second place finish will most likely lead to an awkward last 16 clash against a much-fancied Uruguay though.
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