The selector of Portugal, Fernando Santosdefended his decision to dismiss Cristiano Ronaldo in their first Nations League match against Spainsaying he was confident the striker could make a bigger impact from the bench.
Ronaldo, his country’s top scorer, came in in the 62nd minute but didn’t score when Ricardo Horta scored in the final minutes, tying Portugal 1-1.
“Cristiano Ronaldo? I’m often asked why he’s a starter. It’s the million dollar question,” Santos said after Thursday’s result. “I understand that for this game it’s better to use the players I’ve used.”
Santos said Ronaldo’s exclusion was not a reflection of his quality, after the 37-year-old enjoyed a breakout season at Manchester United, scoring 24 goals in all competitions.
“It’s a technical and tactical option for this match. It seems to us the best solution. For the way we want to play and plan the match. It has nothing to do with Cristiano’s quality, that’s not even questioned, “he said. “There are moments in the game that you have to think differently. We believe that in the second half he can come in and solve the game.”
Álvaro Morata put Spain ahead in Seville, but the hosts failed to seize their chances in the second half and Jordi Alba wasted the opportunity in the final minutes to get the win. Portugal will face Switzerland on Sunday, while Spain will travel to Prague to face the Czech Republic.
Source: La Verdad
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