Taking these friendlies very seriously.
Cristiano Ronaldo, once again, threw his toys out of the pram after Portugal’s defeat against Slovenia.
Ronaldo returned to the Portugal side after missing their first game of the international break to spend some time with family but couldn’t inspire them to victory as they were beaten 2-0.
Goals from Adam Cerin and Timi Elsnik ensured the surprise victory for Slovenia, who will be in England’s group at the Euros this summer, leaving Ronaldo less than impressed.
Footage at full time showed the Al Nassr forward storming off the pitch with a face like thunder down the tunnel.
He could face sanctions for gesturing with two fingers raised in the direction of the match officials, before targeting the fourth official, on the sideline, for a verbal barrage before storming up the tunnel.
It’s not the first time the 39-year-old has acted more like a three-and-a-half-year-old, often throwing tantrums whenever he loses a game at club level or the slightest thing doesn’t go his way.
Last tournament for Cristiano Ronaldo?
Although he’s still in immaculate condition, it feels like this could well be the last international tournament Cristiano Ronaldo competes in.
His return to the side marked the end of Roberto Martinez’s 11-game unbeaten run as Portugal boss while teammate Joao Cancelo even admitted that he is “past his peak”.
Portugal will face Czechia, Turkey, and Georgia in the group stages and will be expected to qualify but probably not go much further than that.
A far more frequent conversation being had at the moment is whether the side looks better with or without the forward.
The fact that they lost on Tuesday doesn’t bode well but time will tell if that actually is the case.
FRANK LAMPARD ON THE LATEST ‘UNFILTERED’
*Join SportsJOE’s WhatsApp community for first access to news, sports updates, and quizzes. Click on this link to receive news and the latest sports headlines directly to your phone. You can leave the group at any time.
Related links:
- Erling Haaland admits he’s gone his whole career without knowing simple football rule
- Jose Mourinho’s ridiculed Man United prediction looks like it may finally come true
- Ian Wright praised for addressing Man City’s ‘elephant in the room’
- Manchester United lining up current Premier League manager for ‘role in coaching set-up’
- The SportsJOE Retro Football Jersey Quiz: Liverpool
WATCH: Liverpool BOTTLED the title race 🤬 | Who will win the Premier League?
