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Portugal football team head coach Roberto Martinez completely dismissed suggestions that Cristiano Ronaldo should have been rested for their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match against Colombia on Sunday.
There were some chatter among fans and experts that Ronaldo should have been rested just like Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland. However, Martinez called such comparisons “childish” and said that the Portugal superstar is fully capable of playing every minute. Ronaldo’s performance did not impress as Portugal were held to 0-0 draw by Colombia.
In constrast, Messi came on as a substitute during Argentina’s match against Jordan while Haaland did not feature for Norway at all during their final group stage game against France.
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“We don’t compare with other players of other teams. That would be childish,” Martinez said after the match.
Martinez went on to explain that Ronaldo’s game was based on experience and discipline.
“Cristiano is used to being in the right place at the right time. It’s more a question of mentally being strong and always being disciplined in position and always opening space in our attacking patterns.”
he said.
