Portugal coach Roberto Martínez has named his squad for the upcoming Nations League matches, including veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo despite his disappointing performance at the recent European Championship. The squad will face Croatia on September 5 and Scotland on September 8.
Ronaldo, who holds the record for the most international men's football goals with 130, failed to score in any of Portugal's Euro 2024 matches, leading to their elimination in the quarterfinals by France. Martínez has emphasized that the team is now focusing on building a new cycle for the 2026 World Cup, to be held in North America.
At 39 years old, Ronaldo's future with the national team remains uncertain, with Martínez stating that it is too early to determine if Ronaldo has played his final game for Portugal. The coach had previously reinstated Ronaldo to the starting lineup during Euro 2024 after he was benched by former coach Fernando Santos in the 2022 World Cup.
The Portugal squad includes a mix of experienced players and promising talents across various positions. The goalkeepers selected are Diogo Costa, José Sá, and Rui Silva. The defensive lineup features players like Rúben Dias, António Silva, and Nélson Semedo.
In midfield, the team will rely on talents such as Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and João Palhinha. The forward line includes Ronaldo, along with players like Rafael Leão and Diogo Jota.
With preparations underway for the Nations League matches, Portugal will look to bounce back from their Euro 2024 disappointment and showcase their strength as they aim to build towards the 2026 World Cup.
