"Doing the other players a disservice" - Pundit calls out Portugal boss Roberto Martinez for persisting with Cristiano Ronaldo in starting lineup

ESPN pundit Steve Nicol has blasted Portugal manager Roberto Martinez for persisting with Cristiano Ronaldo as a starter for the national team. Nicol's comments came after Portugal were held to a 0-0 draw by Scotland at Hampden Park in the Nations League on Tuesday, October 15.

The legendary forward is 39 years old and in the final years of his career and the former Scotland international believes he shouldn't start anymore for the side.

Speaking on ESPN FC, Nicol blasted the Spanish tactician for starting the veteran striker in A Selecao's recent matches. He said:

"You look at that side and see how talented it is, they made 3 subs in the 2nd half, they brought on Neves, Bernardo Silva and Leao. This group of players have a chance of winning a major trophy. He's doing the other players a disservice by playing Ronaldo. If he's going to keep playing Ronaldo all the way through, you can bet your bottom dollar they are not going to win the World Cup."

Ronaldo had a disappointing Euro 2024 with Portugal as the veteran forward failed to score in five matches for his country. Craig Burley, who was on the ESPN panel alongside Nicol, stated that while Cristiano Ronaldo is prolific in qualifying games against smaller countries, he has struggled in major tournaments.

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"Unfortunately it has happened many times" Roberto Martinez laments pitch invader confronting Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo

Roberto Martinez has lamented the fact that a pitch invader confronted Cristiano Ronaldo at Hampden Park during their UEFA Nations League game against Scotland. A pitch invader ran onto the pitch and towards the legendary striker during Portugal's 0-0 draw with the Tartan Army.

Ronaldo is one of the most popular footballers in the world and draws the adulation of millions of fans. However, the Spanish tactician did not appreciate the authorities' inability to protect the star on the pitch during the game. He told Record (via GOAL):

"Unfortunately it has happened many times, It wasn't the first time, even in the Euros. It had happened in other games. We know what he brings to the game, he is an iconic figure, there is excitement. But if someone enters the pitch it is very dangerous if they have bad intentions."

Cristiano Ronaldo made his 200th start for Portugal in the match against Scotland but was unable to mark the special occasion with a goal. He scored in his previous three games to put Roberto Martinez's side at the top of their UEFA Nations League group.