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Sunday, April 27, 2025

Portugal ‘completely the same’ with or without Cristiano Ronaldo as CR7 hooked for extra-time in crunch Nations League clash with Denmark

WHAT HAPPENED?

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo was handed the captain’s armband and a starting berth for a must-win contest in Lisbon. The evergreen 40-year-old surprisingly fluffed his lines from the penalty spot as he rolled a tame effort into the arms of Kasper Schmeichel.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal 2025

Ronaldo has, however, never been one to dwell on disappointment and registered his 136th international goal as Portugal eventually forced extra-time against the Danes. CR7 was replaced by Goncalo Ramos as an epic contest ticked beyond the 90-minute mark.

WHAT ROBERTO MARTINEZ SAID

Cristiano Ronaldo Roberto Martinez Portugal Euro 2024

Martinez told reporters when asked about his decision to withdraw Ronaldo with the final outcome in a nervy encounter yet to be determined: “I saw the team as completely the same. Cristiano played a good game, Goncalo played a good game. They are players with different characteristics and I didn’t see much difference.”

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