Portugal and Ronaldo

By defeating Spain in a penalty shootout in the Nations League final, Portugal won the European championship with belief and a burning desire.

In the past, Portugal had participated in the World Cup three times and the European Championship three times, but without any significant achievements. Since Ronaldo's arrival, the Iberian team has participated in the World Cup five times, the European Championship six times, and won three major titles, including two Nations League titles and one European Championship.

For the second time in history, Portugal reached the Nations League final, though they may not have completely convinced fans, despite eliminating Germany, a strong contender and host nation, just before the final match. However, witnessing over 65,000 eager fans filling all four stands of the Allianz Arena to watch the two Iberian teams compete for the championship truly revealed Portugal's stature and class. "European Selecao" is not just a flattering term for a team with a flamboyant, elegant style similar to Brazil, but also a commendable portrayal of a genuine force in European football.

Twice trailing, Portugal managed to catch up with Spain before turning the tables, forcing the world's best team to surrender in a penalty shootout in the final. Roberto Martinez's side seemed perfectly adept at the "start slow, finish fast" strategy, which they had successfully employed to eliminate hosts Germany in the semi-finals.

40-year-old superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and his third title with the Portuguese national team. (Photo: UEFA)

Is there any team other than Portugal capable of subduing two major opponents who haven't lost a single match since the start of their Nations League campaign? With a squad possessing a rare depth of talent in Europe, from seasoned veterans like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Vitinha to promising young talents such as Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Rafael Leao, and Francisco Conceicao, coach Roberto Martinez only needs to unite them into the right tactical formation for a conquest.

Much has been said about Portugal's continued dependence on Ronaldo, as it has been for the past two decades, and there are frequent complaints that no coach is capable of elevating a team that represents one of Europe's leading player export nations. However, the early success of coach Martinez could completely convince even the most demanding fans of the positive changes in the Portuguese national team.

Their performances against Germany and Spain were truly convincing, showing that Portugal knows when to advance and when to retreat, playing creatively against any opponent with a cohesive team where experience and youth are combined into a unified whole. From superstars like Ronaldo to lesser-known defenders like Nuno Mendes, everyone is ready to explode and shine, capable of leading Portugal through any obstacle to success.

Ronaldo played his first game for Portugal in 2003, when Gonçalo Ramos was not yet two years old.

Now, after 219 appearances, scoring 138 goals for the national team (938 career goals) and winning 3 major titles in over two decades, the 40-year-old superstar Ronaldo is still tirelessly searching for more historic achievements day after day, match after match.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/bo-dao-nha-va-ronaldo-196250609220515929.htm