The Loss Against Spain and the Internal Debate

Portugal bid farewell to the 2026 World Cup in the quarter-finals after losing 1-0 to Spain. Beyond the result, the tournament was marked by the discussion about Cristiano Ronaldo's role in Roberto Martínez's team.

Djorkaeff: "Cristiano was sabotaged"

The former French player Youri Djorkaeff launched strong criticisms on RMC: "If you bring Cristiano Ronaldo, the team has to play for Cristiano Ronaldo, and that was not the case at all." It is clear that he was sabotaged by his own team. They didn't assist him, they didn't put him in the best conditions.

Uncertain future for Portugal

Djorkaeff also criticized figures like Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes: "You can't keep expecting Cristiano to do everything. He is not the only one who has to make a difference." The elimination reopens the debate about the Portuguese team's dependence on their captain and leaves the future of the national team in the air after Ronaldo's last World Cup.

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