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Ronaldo Plays Full Match in Portugal's 0-0 Draw

6/29/2026

Summary

Ronaldo Plays Full

Coach Roberto Martínez kept 41-year-old forward Cristiano Ronaldo on for the full 90 minutes, giving him 270 minutes in Portugal’s 0-0 draw with Colombia in Miami Gardens.
Martínez said comparing Ronaldo’s needs with forward Lionel Messi’s or forward Erling Haaland’s would be childish, as both Messi and Haaland rested in their matches.
Starting in a “feels like” 106 °F heat, Ronaldo finished with 0.17 xG and 0.03 xA.

Summary

Ronaldo Falters

Portugal's 0-0 draw with Colombia caused analysts to question the team's top-seed hype.
Colombia outshot Portugal 26-13, exposing a clear disparity in attacking output.
Goalkeeper Diogo Costa made reflex saves, including a “standing on his head” stop that kept Portugal unbeaten.
Coach Roberto Martínez slowed the tempo, turning Portugal into a “bus” that invited pressure.
Forward Cristiano Ronaldo’s tournament brace gave way to an anonymous showing against Colombia’s disciplined defense.

Summary

Ronaldo Starts

Portugal coach Roberto Martínez kept Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting lineup despite age concerns.
Critics say his selection reflects fame, pushing younger players such as Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes aside and joking Portugal could field Elon Musk instead.
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez claimed age is just a number as Cristiano Ronaldo performed and rushed shots.
Player-rating data gave Cristiano Ronaldo a 6.3, lowest among attackers, raising doubts about his effectiveness.

History

Historical Context

After a ruptured knee tendon in 1999 forced him to miss the 2000-01 season, Brazil’s Ronaldo returned for the 2002 World Cup, scored two goals in the final and claimed the Golden Boot as top scorer, securing Brazil’s fifth title. In 2024, Portugal coach Roberto Martínez kept 39-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo on the field against Colombia, reviving the debate over veteran reliance versus youth development.

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Ronaldo Plays Full

Coach Roberto Martínez kept 41-year-old forward Cristiano Ronaldo on for the full 90 minutes, giving him 270 minutes in Portugal’s 0-0 draw with Colombia in Miami Gardens.
Martínez said comparing Ronaldo’s needs with forward Lionel Messi’s or forward Erling Haaland’s would be childish, as both Messi and Haaland rested in their matches.
Starting in a “feels like” 106 °F heat, Ronaldo finished with 0.17 xG and 0.03 xA.

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