Why Cristiano Ronaldo Played Full 90 vs Denmark While Goncalo Ramos Didn’t: Roberto Martinez Explains

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Ronaldo‘s Full-Match appearance Sparks Debate as Portugal Falls to Denmark in Nations League Quarterfinal

Veteran striker Cristiano Ronaldo played the entirety of Portugal’s recent loss to Denmark, raising questions about team strategy and the role of emerging talent Goncalo Ramos.

By Archyde News Team | March 22, 2025

Martinez Defends Ronaldo Decision After 1-0 Defeat

Copenhagen, Denmark—Portugal’s quest for Nations League glory hit a snag on Thursday, March 20, with a 1-0 defeat against Denmark in the frist leg of their quarterfinal matchup. The match, held at Parken Stadium, saw Rasmus Hojlund score the decisive goal in the 78th minute. Though, the spotlight wasn’t solely on the scoreline, but also on Portugal’s manager, Roberto martinez’s, decision to keep Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch for the entire 90 minutes.

The decision is generating debate, especially considering the availability of Goncalo Ramos, the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward, on the bench. Ronaldo, while a legendary figure, had a quiet game, failing to register a shot on target. His impact was limited, with just 30 touches and two shots throughout the match.

For U.S. fans,this situation mirrors the kind of roster management debates seen in Major League Soccer (MLS).Do you stick with the established star, even when they’re having an off night, or do you give the younger, perhaps more dynamic player a chance to change the game? It is a question that resonates across continents.

“I believe in everyone. Francisco came from injury and can only play one game. Gonçalo Ramos,it is the first time he has arrived at our squad in the League of Nations. Gonçalo is a very crucial player for us. It is not a question of who is left out and inside,”

Roberto Martinez, Portugal Manager

Martinez defended his choice, emphasizing the importance of both Ronaldo and Ramos to the team’s overall strategy. He suggested that the team dynamic, affected by the break between November and March, played a role in Ronaldo’s performance.

“The stop from November to March, there are times when the intensity, pace and synchronization is not there and it was not Cristiano as spearhead, it was in the areas that we expected and it was not the problem of the spearhead.”

Roberto Martinez, Portugal Manager

Ramos’ Rising Star: A Potential Game-Changer?

Goncalo Ramos’s stats speak for themselves. This season, he’s tallied 13 goals and five assists in 27 games for PSG. That kind of form makes him a compelling option, and many fans and analysts question why he wasn’t brought on to inject fresh energy into Portugal’s attack.

In the context of American sports, this is akin to a quarterback controversy in the NFL. When a highly-touted backup is waiting in the wings, every subpar performance from the starter intensifies the calls for a change. ramos’ situation is similar; his potential is undeniable, and his absence from the game against Denmark has only amplified the debate.

Player	Goals (This Season)	Assists (This Season)	Games Played (This Season)
Cristiano Ronaldo	5	1	6
Goncalo Ramos	13	5	27

Ronaldo’s Legacy vs. Current Form: A Balancing Act for Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo’s contributions to Portuguese soccer are undeniable. he is the third-highest goalscorer in UEFA Nations League history, with 12 goals in 17 appearances. Only Erling Haaland and Aleksandar Mitrovic have surpassed his tally. He was instrumental in Portugal’s 2019 Nations League victory and their Euro 2016 triumph.

Though,at 40 years old,the question of his optimal role within the team becomes increasingly pertinent. While he’s still performing well for Al-Nassr, with 28 goals in 33 games this season, international soccer demands a different level of intensity and tactical flexibility. Age is very important. As seen in other professional sports, like the NBA, there is decline. For example, star players past their prime might be efficient in some games, and inefficient in other games.

Looking Ahead: The Second Leg and Beyond

Portugal will face denmark again on Sunday, March 23, at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon. The pressure will be on Martinez to make the right tactical choices to secure a victory and advance in the Nations League.Will he stick with Ronaldo, or will he unleash Ramos? The answer could determine Portugal’s fate in the

What changes would Coach Ricardo Silva recommend for the second leg of the match between Portugal and Denmark?

Ronaldo’s Role Debated After Portugal’s Nations League Loss: An Interview with Coach Ricardo Silva

Interview with Coach Ricardo Silva

Archyde News: Welcome,Coach Silva. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent Nations League quarterfinal match between portugal and denmark. The biggest talking point, of course, is Cristiano Ronaldo’s full-match appearance amid a quiet game and the availability of Goncalo Ramos. What are yoru initial thoughts on Manager Roberto Martinez’s decision?

Coach Ricardo Silva: Thank you for having me. It’s a complex situation. While Ronaldo’s legacy is undeniable and the 133 goals is notable , the team didn’t seem to gel, possibly due to the November to March break that effected the pace of the game. You have to consider the balance between honoring a legend and ensuring the team’s best performance. Gonçalo Ramos could have brought a different dynamic, without taking away from Ronaldo.

Ronaldo’s Performance and Team Dynamics

Archyde News: Exactly. Ronaldo’s stats for the match, like 30 touches and zero shots on target, are a stark contrast to Gonçalo Ramos’s form for PSG, with 13 goals and 5 assists this season. How do you see the role of sentimentality versus the need for immediate results in a tournament like the Nations League?

Coach Ricardo Silva: Sentiments are importent, especially when you are the third-highest goalscorer in UEFA Nations League history. but professional sports are results-driven. It’s about building a team that can win now. Martinez knows he has a very good option in Goncalo Ramos, and it makes me want to ask if the team dynamic should be changed.

Goncalo ramos: The Future of portuguese Football?

Archyde news: Ramos’s potential appears undeniable. Could this be a shift, a changing of the guard, or perhaps a strategic use of both players?

Coach Ricardo Silva: I think it’s the second. Both players can contribute. Martinez should explore strategies to maximize their strengths. How do you use both players like a good NFL team uses their starting quarterback and backup, taking advantage of different styles?

Looking Ahead to the Second Leg

Archyde News: Considering the upcoming second leg, which is in lisbon, what adjustments would you make, and how crucial is this match for Roberto Martinez’s future with the team?

Coach Ricardo Silva: The second leg is vital.I could have made the change in the first leg, so I would be looking for ways to get Ramos into the game early.Perhaps a formation change, a shift in tactics to use both players effectively. For Martinez, the result will be very important.this is a high-profile job, and results decide his fate.

Archyde News: Coach Silva, thank you for your insightful perspective.

Coach Ricardo Silva: My pleasure.