While wonderful and typical theatre, it was plainly ridiculous. “I’m back!” roared Cristiano Ronaldo, as if playing a key part in Portugal’s dismissal of Uzbekistan was in any way significant. Ronaldo toiled against DR Congo and was comfortably kept quiet here by Colombia. The stars have turned up at this World Cup. Ronaldo, though, still has a way to go if seeking to prove his omnipresence at this tournament will not hinder Portuguese hopes of glory.
Nobody other than Father Time has chased down Ronaldo. An alternative quote, from Trainspotting, feels more apposite than what the 41-year-old bawled into a camera as Uzbekistan were swatted aside. “Well, at one time, you’ve got it, then you lose it, and it’s gone for ever,” observed Sick Boy in an Edinburgh park. Add Ronaldo to a list that, as per the film scene, includes David Bowie, Lou Reed, Charlie Nicholas and Malcolm McLaren. Eclectic company. Ronaldo actually wants to be in the same discussion as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. He once was. Now? It is a tricky point to enforce.
