Ahmad Zein Salamo
Portugal secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a resounding 9-1 victory over Armenia, a match notably absent of their captain, Cristiano Ronaldo. The emphatic win, achieved on Sunday, November 16th, solidified Portugal’s position as Group F winners with 13 points, comfortably ahead of second-placed Ireland who amassed 10. However, the absence of Ronaldo, typically a central figure in Portugal’s triumphs, sparked considerable discussion, drawing comments from Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
Ronaldo’s suspension stemmed from a red card received during Portugal’s preceding match against Ireland in Dublin. The incident, deemed a violent conduct offense, saw Ronaldo dismissed for an elbow on Dara O’Shea. This not only led to his suspension for the Armenia fixture but also contributed to Portugal’s 2-0 defeat in the game itself, adding a layer of pressure to their World Cup qualification campaign.
President Rebelo de Sousa acknowledged Ronaldo’s absence with a mixture of regret and appreciation for his enduring contributions to the national team. "Ronaldo always has a special place. He is always in our hearts," he stated, according to Goal. "He is part of our gratitude. He must have been very sorry not to be present today. It’s a shame."
The President further elaborated on the significance of Ronaldo’s presence, particularly in a crucial qualifying match. "He missed a match where the presence of the captain was very important. But, yes, genius is like that," he added, seemingly alluding to the unpredictable nature of a player of Ronaldo’s caliber, whose brilliance can occasionally be accompanied by moments of indiscipline.
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Despite Ronaldo’s absence, Portugal delivered a commanding performance against Armenia, showcasing the depth and talent within the squad. The comprehensive victory served as a statement, demonstrating that the team possesses the capability to perform at a high level even without their talismanic captain.
Beyond the individual absence of Ronaldo, President De Sousa also took the opportunity to commend the team’s manager, Roberto Martinez. He highlighted the initial skepticism surrounding Martinez’s appointment and praised his resilience in overcoming doubts to lead Portugal to World Cup qualification.
"A word for Roberto Martínez. He deserves it. People said he would not succeed. I still remember the first team dinner, where the players sat at one table and Martínez at another, and they said they would not listen to him," the President recalled.
"He persevered, persevered, and got to where he needed to be. Of course, with great fear, but 9-1 is happiness for us all," he concluded, emphasizing the magnitude of the victory and the vindication it represented for Martinez.
The victory against Armenia marked a significant milestone in Portugal’s journey towards the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The expanded format of the tournament, featuring 48 teams for the first time, provides a greater opportunity for nations to participate on the global stage. Portugal’s qualification ensures their presence at this landmark event, adding to their rich history in international football.
Cristiano Ronaldo, despite his absence in the Armenia match, remains a pivotal figure in Portugal’s national team setup. His career statistics, both for club and country, are a testament to his extraordinary talent and dedication. As of the current date, Ronaldo holds the record for the most international goals scored by a male player, surpassing the previous record held by Iranian legend Ali Daei. His goal-scoring prowess, combined with his leadership qualities, make him an invaluable asset to the Portuguese team.
Ronaldo’s international career began in 2003, and since then, he has represented Portugal in numerous major tournaments, including multiple World Cups and European Championships. He captained Portugal to victory in the 2016 European Championship, a historic achievement that cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in Portuguese football history. He also led Portugal to victory in the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019, further adding to his impressive list of accolades.
The red card incident against Ireland, however, served as a reminder of the occasional disciplinary issues that have punctuated Ronaldo’s career. While his passion and commitment are undeniable, they have sometimes manifested in moments of rashness, leading to suspensions and criticism.
Looking ahead, Ronaldo’s availability for future matches will be crucial for Portugal’s continued success. The team’s reliance on his goal-scoring ability and leadership is evident, and his presence on the field invariably elevates the performance of his teammates.
Roberto Martinez, appointed as Portugal’s manager in January 2023, has faced the challenge of integrating new players and tactical approaches while maintaining the team’s competitive edge. His initial appointment was met with some skepticism, given his previous managerial roles with Belgium and Everton, but he has since demonstrated his ability to adapt and deliver results.
Martinez’s tactical philosophy emphasizes attacking football and a fluid, dynamic approach. He has sought to build a team that is not solely reliant on Ronaldo, but rather one that utilizes the collective talent and strengths of the entire squad. The 9-1 victory over Armenia was a clear indication of this, with multiple players contributing to the score sheet.
The road to the 2026 World Cup will undoubtedly present further challenges for Portugal. The competition in European qualifying is fierce, and the team will need to maintain a high level of performance to secure their place in the tournament. However, with a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talents, Portugal possesses the potential to make a significant impact on the world stage.
The upcoming international fixtures will provide further opportunities for Martinez to fine-tune his team and experiment with different tactical formations. The team’s ability to adapt to different opponents and playing styles will be crucial in their quest for success.
In the context of Portuguese football, the World Cup qualification holds particular significance. Portugal has a long and proud history in the sport, and their participation in major tournaments is a source of national pride. The team’s success on the international stage has a profound impact on the morale and spirit of the nation.
The 2026 World Cup represents an opportunity for Portugal to build on their previous achievements and potentially challenge for the ultimate prize. With a talented squad, a capable manager, and the unwavering support of their fans, Portugal has the potential to make a lasting impression on the tournament.
The absence of Ronaldo in the Armenia match, while initially a cause for concern, ultimately served as a catalyst for the team to demonstrate their collective strength and resilience. The victory was a testament to the depth of talent within the squad and the effectiveness of Martinez’s tactical approach.
As Portugal continues their preparations for the 2026 World Cup, the focus will be on maintaining consistency, developing new talent, and refining their tactical strategies. The team’s ultimate goal is to compete at the highest level and bring glory to Portuguese football. The journey may be long and challenging, but the potential rewards are immense.
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Author Profile
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Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.
His reporting combines tactical understanding with a human perspective, highlighting not only the drama on the pitch but also the stories that shape the sport beyond it. From Champions League nights to grassroots football, Ahmad’s work reflects a true love for the beautiful game and a commitment to bringing readers closer to the action.
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