For so long, Ronaldo has been synonymous with Portugal’s fortunes. With the 37-year-old boldly reduced to a reserve in a last-16 rout, that’s no longer necessary.
LUSAIL, Qatar — At the hour mark, the chant began rolling toward the field from fans seated in the highest reaches of Lusail Iconic Stadium. Portugal had treated them to a remarkable showcase of attacking football, but they remained unsatisfied.
“Ronaldo! Ronaldo! Ronaldo!”
Four minutes later, the cheer echoed around the towering, 88,000-seat arena again.
Gonçalo Ramos was in no position to give them Ronaldo, who remained in that moment where he started Tuesday’s game, on the bench in a yellow vest.