Thinking takes a while to get used to: won’t there be another big soccer tournament with superstar Cristiano Ronaldo (37)? Very possible! CR7 is not only playing for the final (against Italy or North Macedonia) and thus for a Qatar ticket in the World Cup semi-final against Turkey, but also against his age.
If Ronaldo travels with Portugal, it is likely that this is due to the phenomenon in the World Cup. The ManUnited striker is unlikely to play until the 2026 World Cup. Even in EM 2024, it’s not entirely certain whether CR7 will still be chasing goals at the age of 39.
Desert World Cup without Portugal – it would be the next low blow for the goalkeeper, whose season in Manchester is not exactly as desired. In the Champions League, the first round of the round of 16 was knocked out against Atlético. In the English Premier League, United are sixth, 20 points behind Manchester City. In addition, the relationship with temporary coach Ralph Rangnick should be super cold.
World records as a consolation
Sure: there was an astonishing record 807 goals in competitive matches, which Ronaldo is the all-time top scorer, at least according to FIFA statistics. And already in the World Cup qualifiers, the five-times world footballer launched himself with 115 goals to set the world record for international goals.
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But right after the best on a personal level, CR7 defines itself through nicknames. Things are looking bleak at United. And even not being able to play for the world title with the national team in December would really spoil CR7’s year.
Turkey has never defeated Portugal
But Ronaldo is a fighter. He sent a message on Instagram: “We know the path will not be easy. We have great respect for opponents who have the same goal as us. But we are fighting together to put Portugal in their right place!”
The statistics speak for Ronaldo and his companions: Turkey has lost all five matches with Portugal so far. And with CR7, she never failed in qualifying, and the last time the Portuguese missed a major was in 1998!
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