Cristiano Ronaldo faces immense pressure as Portugal prepares to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Denmark in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals, with the second leg scheduled for Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon. Following a disappointing display in the first leg, where a lone goal from Denmark's Rasmus Hojlund sealed their victory, Portugal’s captain has acknowledged the intensity of the moment.
Reflecting on the first leg’s outcome, Ronaldo stated, "The air is more tense. I’m not hiding it. We’re in a tense moment because we need to win, but that’s the beautiful thing about football." The legendary striker, now 40 and still aiming for success, emphasized the pivotal role of the home crowd for what could be a defining match for himself and his team.
Ronaldo has called upon supporters to rally behind the squad, stressing that their energy could be decisive. “Tomorrow, I’m calling on the fans to be with us. Let them give us their strength, because we’re going to try to do our best," he urged, motivated by the desire to exit the stadium with his head held high no matter what happens. "If I score, I’ll be happy, but if I don’t score, let someone else score; what I want is for Portugal to win," he added, showcasing his enduring team spirit amidst the gloom.
While facing criticism over his performance in the first leg, Ronaldo defended both himself and coach Roberto Martinez, who has been scrutinized for the team’s output. He remarked, "I think it’s unfair to criticise the coach, because we’re all in the same boat. We lost the game and played badly, but we have the second leg tomorrow. Calm down. Think positive and think that things will go well." His message is clear: he believes in the team's potential to rebound, despite their recent struggles.
Martinez also came to Ronaldo's defense, asserting that the veteran's role cannot be judged by isolated games. "Our teams are very flexible tactically… It is not a question of trying to talk about Cristiano in every game," he pointed out. This emphasizes his commitment to leveraging Ronaldo’s experience while also recognizing the need to adapt the team’s strategy based on their opponents.
The backdrop of this match includes the weight of Ronaldo’s incredible achievements, further highlighted by the award he received just before the game—a Guinness World Record plaque for the most wins in international football. This reinforces Ronaldo’s legacy, something that opponents like Hojlund recognize and respect. "I knew that this was not because he did not have respect for me," Ronaldo remarked regarding Hojlund mimicking his famous celebration.
Hojlund's admiration for Ronaldo is evident, as he expressed excitement about scoring against his idol in the first leg. "To score and become the [match] winner, it couldn’t be better," he commented to Danish media. His performance thus far has added another layer to the rivalry, with many eager to see if he can replicate that success on Portuguese soil.
With the stakes now higher than ever, all eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo to see if he can rise to the occasion for Portugal. Fan support and team cohesion will be critical as they look to advance to the semifinals of the Nations League, where the winner will progress to face new challenges in June. As Ronaldo looks to silence his critics, the match represents not just a chance for redemption but also an opportunity to reinforce his status within the team and football at large.
Ultimately, the outcome of the second leg is sure to shift the dynamics surrounding Ronaldo and Martinez, amid questions regarding Ronaldo’s continued role as a starter as he approaches the twilight of his career.
