In a surprising move, Cristiano Ronaldo was not included in Portugal’s starting lineup for their UEFA Nations League group stage match against Scotland at the Estadio do Benfica in Lisbon on Sunday. The 39-year-old forward, known for his prolific goalscoring and unwavering presence on the pitch, found himself on the bench as the match kicked off.
This decision by Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike. While the exact reasoning behind Ronaldo’s absence from the starting eleven remains unclear, speculation abounds. Some believe it could be a strategic move to manage Ronaldo’s workload, while others suggest it might be a tactical choice based on the strengths of the Scottish side.
However, all is not lost for Ronaldo fans. Despite being left out of the starting lineup, he has been named as a substitute. This means that the veteran forward is still very much in contention to feature in the game, potentially entering the field at some point during the second half.
Whether Ronaldo comes on and makes a decisive impact remains to be seen. But one thing is certain – his presence on the bench adds an intriguing layer to this already anticipated match between Portugal and Scotland.
