Cristiano Ronaldo wasted several clear cut chances in Portugal’s final warm-up match ahead of the FIFA World Cup, as debate continues over the veteran’s role for the national team.
Ronaldo, 41, was chosen to lead the line for Portugal in their friendly against Nigeria in Leiria, before Roberto Martinez’s side head to the United States.
The veteran forward was given the opportunity to open the scoring in the ninth minute as he ran onto a through ball by Nelson Semedo, but ultimately fired wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Ronaldo was then seen blasting the ball away in frustration after it came back off the advertising hoardings and into his path.
His frustration continued to grow after Ronaldo miskicked another effort, before Portugal eventually took a 23rd minute lead through Pedro Neto.
Nigeria equalised before half-time through Akor Adams, with Portugal then making nine changes at the break with only Ronaldo remaining of their outfield players from the first half.
Cristiano Ronaldo missed a series of chances in Portugal’s final World Cup warm-up match
Ronaldo’s frustrations were on show after the 41-year-old failed to find the net against Nigeria
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has remained consistent that Ronaldo can play a leading role for the national team at the World Cup
Is Ronaldo’s legacy at risk if he stays in Portugal’s starting lineup despite his recent struggles?
Another chance came and went for Ronaldo in the early stages of the second half, after he ballooned a left footed effort from the penalty spot following a low cross.
Ronaldo’s tough night in front of goal came to an end when he was replaced by Goncalo Ramos in the 65th minute.
Martinez was asked after Portugal’s 2-1 victory – with Francisco Conceicao having scored a 75th minute winner – about why Ronaldo had been kept on for the start of the second half, while the other outfield players had been replaced.
‘The plan we had for Cristiano, based on the information available to us, was for him to play either 45 or 60 minutes,’ Martinez said.
‘The important thing is to work on the individual aspect, but also to have a team capable of finishing the match stronger than it started.
‘That reflects good work, focus, and clarity in the way the ideas are being executed.
‘We are now much better prepared.’
Ronaldo’s struggles may increase the pre-World Cup debate over his role, amid suggestions the legendary forward’s presence could prove a hindrance rather than a help to a star-studded Portugal side.
Martinez, however, has remained insistent that his captain can play a key role as Portugal bid for glory this summer.
Ronaldo, who has scored a record 143 international goals in 228 appearances for Portugal will be competing at a sixth World Cup.
The veteran has scored eight goals in 22 matches at the World Cup, but is yet to score in the knockout stages.
Portugal face DR Congo, debutants Uzbekistan and Colombia in their group at the World Cup.
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