Portugal will play their first World Cup match in the United States today, taking on the Democratic Republic of the Congo at 1pm ET (6pm BST), and fans are looking forward to the match.
Team coach Roberto Martinez praised Cristiano Ronaldo as a “killer” who can lead Portugal’s onslaught towards the World Cup. Ronaldo will be competing in the tournament for a record-equalling sixth time in his illustrious career. Even at 41 years old, some wonder if his influence on the team is still so important and influential.
But Martínez rejects suggestions that Ronaldo can no longer produce at the highest level, believing one of the game’s icons remains as ruthless and deadly as ever. Portugal will open the World Cup against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Houston.
“He’s a role model. He’s an iconic player in world football for young athletes and children, both men and women, who are starting to feel the love of football on the streets. It may be his sixth World Cup, but it feels like his first in terms of his intensity and emotion,” Martinez said.
“He’s ready to lead the group and is very essential. He’s a striker, he’s a killer. He’s a player with great numbers. He’s ready.” Martinez, however, declined to say whether he would continue as Portugal’s coach after the World Cup. Martinez’s contract expires next month and speculation is mounting that he may resign.
Martínez added: “This is not news. We talked a lot about this in Portugal. It may be news here, but back in Portugal it is not. The focus is on the preparation for the World Cup. I am dealing with this very naturally. My contract is ending. This is not news, this is just a fact.”
Ronaldo wants to complete his collection of major honors with Portugal
