Ronaldo’s Crucial Return to Germany: Aiming for Redemption

Cristiano Ronaldo has faced the German national football team five times in major tournaments without a single victory. As Portugal prepares for the UEFA Nations League semi-final against Germany on June 4 in Munich, this match represents one of the final opportunities for the 40-year-old forward to change that record.

Even Portugal’s president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, seems skeptical. After Portugal secured their place in the final tournament with a 5-2 extra-time win over Denmark, he expressed concerns, stating, „It will be difficult, it will be difficult…“

Ronaldo’s dramatic performance in the quarter-finals included a missed penalty in the sixth minute, followed by his 136th international goal in the 72nd minute, bringing the score to 2-1. However, he watched the remainder of the match from the bench as Gonçalo Ramos, who was substituted in for him, scored and assisted in the final minutes. Following the match, Ronaldo took to Instagram, celebrating with the phrase, „What a night, Portugal.“

Unlike the president and several teammates who spoke to the media post-game, Ronaldo did not give interviews, but indications suggest that the Portuguese team may be a more favorable opponent compared to the other semi-finalists, Spain and France.

Portugal’s head coach, Roberto Martinez, faces criticism for supposedly protecting the aging Ronaldo, which some believe hinders the development of younger talents in the country. Since winning the European Championship in 2016, Portugal has struggled to reach their potential in subsequent tournaments, as evidenced by their 2-4 defeat against Germany in the Euro 2021 group stage in Munich.

Before the match against Denmark, Ronaldo had criticized the negativity surrounding the national team during a press conference. He confronted a Portuguese reporter, deeming some questions „disrespectful“ and asserting, „If you want an answer from me, look me in the eyes. You can’t ask me something and then immediately look at your computer.“

Given Ronaldo’s public statements, it was expected that the critical voices would not dissipate with a single victory over Denmark. Coach Martinez acknowledged the pressure, stating, „I am no longer a young coach; I have experience. If the team loses, it’s my fault. If they win, it’s the players’ credit. But that’s okay: the team belongs to the fans, not the coach.“

Martinez and Ronaldo received support from Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, who celebrated his 100th cap against Denmark. He remarked, „Anyone who, like me, Cristiano, and the coach, has been in football for so many years knows: When we win, we are the best in the world. When we lose the next day, we are the worst. There is no middle ground. But regardless of who the leader is, we will stand by our coach until the end!“