As Lionel Messi put in the performance of the tournament against Australia to take his side into the last eight, you can be sure Cristiano Ronaldo was plotting how he would steal back the headlines when his team face Switzerland.
But bizarrely, Portugal seem to have gone completely under the radar when talking about the favourites to win this tournament. They won their group with wins over Ghana and Uruguay but it seems as though South Korea’s win over their second string has put people off the 2016 European Championship winners.
This is a side that knows how to deal with tournament football though. They proved that six years ago when they weren’t at their best, but now they have arguably the best squad in the entire tournament and a favourable last 16 fixture. If they hammer Switzerland, which they could, their current odds of 12/1 to win the tournament with Betfred will surely shrink.
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Despite his late wobble in the opener, Diogo Costa is one of Europe’s best goalkeepers. In front of him, two of Manchester City’s superstars, Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo, partly make up the back four. In midfield, Ruben Neves pulls the strings alongside another City star, Bernardo Silva, with Joao Palhinha or William Carvalho able to bring some added muscle if needed.
But it is their front line that rightly attracts the most attention. Bruno Fernandes has been the star of the show so far in a number ten role, but he’s got the support of the spectacular Joao Felix, Rafael Leao from the bench and a certain Cristiano Ronaldo. Perhaps the clubless 38-year-old is the reason nobody is talking up Portugal's chances.
We’ve been inundated with Ronaldo quotes and drama in the week building up to the tournament as he set about divorcing Manchester United. Every single day a new quote came out and even the interview itself was stretched over two nights. Only Piers Morgan, it seems, can stomach that amount of Ronaldo talk.
There's still nothing signed, agreed or approved by Cristiano. Focus is on the World Cup.
Unfortunately for Portugal, it overshadowed the start of their World Cup. Even now, manager Fernando Santos has been left unimpressed by Ronaldo’s reaction to being substituted in the 2-1 loss to South Korea. “Have I seen the images? Yes, I didn’t like it, not at all. I didn’t like it. I really didn’t like it. But from that moment onwards everything is finished regarding that issue. These matters are resolved behind closed doors.”
He also failed to confirm whether Ronaldo would be named as captain when they take on Switzerland on Tuesday night. But from what we have seen so far, Ronaldo has looked lively in front of goal and although he is yet to score from open play (even though he thinks otherwise) his movement has caused problems.
Leao has looked sensational from the bench and should be a starter in this team, but Santos has several options to bring on if things aren’t going well. Switzerland won't be easy to beat, having only lost 1-0 to Brazil and seen off Serbia in the group, but if Portugal are near their best they could blow them away.
Then a potential quarter-final with Spain, who were stunned by Japan, or Morocco awaits. Two more than winnable games will see Portugal into their first World Cup semi-final since 2006. England or France in the semi-final is another matter, but Portugal have every chance of getting there.
At that point, Ronaldo will be just two games away from the ultimate prize. Unlike Messi, he has quality teammates around to make it a reality. It’s now a question of whether Ronaldo will be a help or hindrance to his national side.
*18+ | BeGambleAware