Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese forward, has been called up once again to represent Portugal in the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches. Despite his recent struggles at the Euro 2024, where he failed to score and saw his team exit in the quarter-finals, Ronaldo remains a key figure for the national team as they prepare to face Croatia and Scotland in early September.
Ronaldo’s Commitment to Portugal: A Legacy Continues
At 39 years old, Ronaldo’s inclusion in the squad highlights his enduring influence and the trust placed in him by the coaching staff. Ronaldo, who has an impressive record of 130 goals and 45 assists in 212 international appearances, continues to be a crucial asset for Portugal. His leadership and experience are invaluable as the team navigates the challenges of international competition.
Ronaldo recently addressed his future with the national team in an interview with Portuguese television, stating, “When I quit the national team, I won’t tell anyone in advance… At the moment, what I want is to be able to help the Selecao.” His words reflect his unwavering dedication to Portugal, even as he approaches the twilight of his career.
Portugal’s UEFA Nations League Fixtures: Key Matches Ahead
The UEFA Nations League matches are crucial for Portugal as they seek to build momentum after a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign. The fixtures are scheduled as follows:
- Portugal vs. Croatia: September 5, 2024, at Estádio da Luz, Lisbon.
- Portugal vs. Scotland: September 8, 2024, at Estádio da Luz, Lisbon.
These matches will be vital for Portugal to regain their form and showcase their strength on the international stage. Ronaldo’s presence will undoubtedly be a major talking point, as fans and critics alike watch to see if he can lead the team to victory once again.
Portugal’s Squad for the UEFA Nations League
Portugal has assembled a strong squad for the upcoming Nations League matches, blending experienced players with emerging talents. The full squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers:
- Diogo Costa (FC Porto)
- Jose Sa (Wolves/ENG)
- Rui Silva (Real Betis/ESP)
Defenders:
- Ruben Dias (Manchester City/ENG)
- Antonio Silva (Benfica)
- Renato Veiga (Chelsea/ENG)
- Goncalo Inacio (Sporting Lisbon)
- Tiago Santos (Lille/FRA)
- Diogo Dalot (Manchester United/ENG)
- Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA)
- Nelson Semedo (Wolves/ENG)
Midfielders:
- Joao Palhinha (Fulham/ENG)
- Joao Neves (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA)
- Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA)
- Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United/ENG)
- Bernardo Silva (Manchester City/ENG)
- Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal/KSA)
Forwards:
- Joao Felix (Chelsea/ENG)
- Francisco Trincao (Sporting Lisbon)
- Pedro Goncalves (Sporting Lisbon)
- Rafael Leao (AC Milan/ITA)
- Geovany Quenda (Sporting Lisbon)
- Pedro Neto (Chelsea/ENG)
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr/KSA)
- Diogo Jota (Liverpool/ENG)
This squad features a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talents, reflecting the depth and quality of Portuguese football. Players like Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, and Bruno Fernandes are expected to play pivotal roles alongside Ronaldo.
Ronaldo’s Records and Recent Achievements
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to make headlines not just for his on-field performances but also for his off-field accomplishments. Recently, he was recognized by the Guinness World Records for his YouTube channel, further cementing his status as one of the most followed and influential athletes globally. Additionally, Ronaldo received the UEFA Champions League all-time high scorer award, a testament to his extraordinary career and unmatched goal-scoring prowess.
Read Also:Cristiano Ronaldo Receives Special UEFA Award for Outstanding Achievements in the Champions League
The Road Ahead: Portugal’s Aspirations in the Nations League
As Portugal prepares for the UEFA Nations League, the team faces significant pressure to perform and bounce back from their Euro 2024 disappointment. With Ronaldo leading the charge, the nation will be hoping to secure victories against Croatia and Scotland, setting the tone for the rest of the tournament.
Ronaldo’s inclusion in the squad is more than just a selection; it symbolizes his unyielding commitment to his country and his desire to contribute to Portugal’s success, even at the age of 39. As the world watches, all eyes will be on CR7 to see if he can continue to defy expectations and lead Portugal to new heights in the UEFA Nations League.
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