Jorge Jesus pulls Ronaldo off at 67th minute amid captain criticism
In the cold stadium of Cardiff, Cristiano Ronaldo took the field as captain of the Portuguese national team against Wales, but at the 67’ he was substituted, leaving the team to defend a 1‑0 lead and hoping the attack could find the net.
Selection of the new manager
Jorge Jesus confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting lineup against Wales, assigning him the captaincy for his 234th appearance in the national team shirt. The striker, 41, comes from Al‑Nassr, where Jesus had already coached him, and the manager built the attack around João Félix and Bruno Fernandes. “The idea is to always have players involved in the offensive play, players closer to Ronaldo. He is currently formidable in the final metres, lethal near the goal,” he explained.
Ronaldo, also known as CR7, responded to media criticism with a decisive statement: “I know some media love to attack me, or even destroy me, but they have no chance. Even with this, I manage to dodge the bullets. If I make it to the national team, it’s because I make a difference at my club.”
Performance and substitution
During the first half, at the 40’ Ronaldo found Ward in his path, but failed to convert. In the second half he missed a cross from Ruben Neves and, when he found the net, the goal was ruled out for off‑side. At the 67’ Jesus decided to replace him with Gonçalo Ramos, explaining: “The match demanded it. There were 25 minutes left and I needed a fresh player to put pressure on the opponents. Maybe he didn’t have Cristiano’s technical quality, but I knew Gonçalo would bring speed to the attack. And that’s what he did. I am satisfied with the team.”
Jorge Jesus swaps Cristiano Ronaldo for pressing power in Wales win
Ronaldo’s performance fed the criticism of the Portuguese press. O Jogo observed: “Without wanting to kill anyone, especially because memory is long, one cannot help but notice that the captain lacked inspiration. He created at least two goal‑scoring chances, but failed to convert them.” A Bola headlined: “Unfixable, Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted at the 67th minute.” L’Equipe, outside of Portugal, described him as “awkward.”
Despite the lack of a decisive contribution from the number 7, Portugal held onto the lead and closed the match with a 1‑0 result, taking home the three points. Jesus’s first win on the national team bench confirms his ability to manage the squad, but does not quash the debate about Ronaldo’s future role.
Ronaldo silent against Wales, debate on his place intensifies
The debate on Ronaldo’s physical condition and usefulness in the national team remains open, with fans and experts awaiting the next call‑up. Jesus’s decision to bring on Gonçalo Ramos showed a willingness to refresh the attack, leaving the decision pending on how much the 41‑year‑old captain can still influence the national team’s results.