2016 European Championship winners Portugal, made a winning start to their QATAR World Cup campaign courtesy of a 3-2 victory against Ghana....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Their star man and captain Cristiano Ronaldo scored a spot kick in the 65th minute to open the scoring and thus became the first player to score at five separate world cup tournaments.
However, away from the pitch, the 37 year old has proven to not only be a player, but also a supportive and tactical leader. He showed that again today against the Black Stars of Ghana.
Below are two instances where he was seen giving tactical instructions to his Portuguese teammates on the touchline;
1- Portugal 1 vs 0 France (2016 Euro Final)
Six years ago at the Euro 2016 final against France, Cristiano Ronaldo sustained a knee injury following a nasty tackle by France player Dimitri Payet in the first half.
He tried so hard to continue playing in the game, but was later forced off the pitch in tears. With the game still goalless after regulation time, a limping Ronaldo returned to the Portuguese bench.
But he didn’t just come to sit and watch the game, he came to support the team anywhere he could.
Series of instances, the 37 year old was seen standing with his manager Fernando Santos on the touchline giving tactical instructions to his teammates.
It eventually paid off as Portugal withstood the pressure from France and scored a stunning goal that won them the Euro.
It was undoubtedly one of the biggest nights of Ronaldo’s illustrious career as he lifted the Euro trophy with tears and joy.
2- Portugal 3 vs 2 Ghana (2022 World Cup)
After playing his part in helping his team establish a 3-1 lead over Ghana, Ronaldo was subbed off in the 88th minute. But shortly after his substitution, Ghana pulled a goal back much to the disappoinment of Ronaldo.
In order to avoid an unlikely comeback into the game in the final few minutes, Ronaldo stood up once again and was seen giving tactical instructions to his teammates as Portugal held on for a 3-2 win.
