Jorge Jesus assesses whether Cristiano Ronaldo starts against Norway
Jorge Jesus was present at the preview conference for the second‑matchday Nations League clash between Portugal and Norway, this Sunday, and he analysed Cristiano Ronaldo's performance against Wales, questioning whether the captain will be back in the starting lineup.
Ronaldo's performance against Wales
Let's start with his performance against Wales. We had 15 shots inside the box, of which seven were from Ronaldo. Of those seven, two were on target. He had seven finishing interventions.
Compared with the recent games he has played, that was a lot. Before he had one, two or none. He can do better, as is obvious. He was close to scoring a goal.
He played 65 minutes and I will still see how he is. Whether I start him or he goes to the bench. Cris, love it or not, is not like João Neves who is 20 and can play two games back‑to‑back three days apart.
Expectations for the match in Oslo
I still don't know if Cris will start, but if he is not the first choice, he will be second or third. By tomorrow, I will see how Cris is because he knows his body better than I do. It's many years. Today's training will provide indicators before talking to me.
He is a global phenomenon because of his history as a player and still holds the record of scoring a thousand goals. He is a reference for these new generations, even if they are not football players. I note that most fans are teenagers and most have never seen him play live. He is always a very important figure for Portugal, playing or not.
The opening whistle for Norway vs Portugal will be blown by Frenchman François Letexier at 19:45 this Sunday, at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo. The match is part of the second matchday of the Nations League.
Thus, while the numbers against Wales show an intense involvement, Jesus still ponders whether Cristiano Ronaldo, or Cris, will have a place in the starting eleven in Oslo. The decision will be made after today's training, keeping the doubt about the starting spot until the last minute.