Mon Nov 18 18:50:00 UTC 2024: ## Ronaldo Benched for Portugal’s Nations League Clash Against Croatia
**Split, Croatia** – Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature in Portugal’s Nations League match against Croatia tonight. Portugal’s manager, Roberto Martínez, has opted to rest the veteran forward, along with Bernardo Silva, Pedro Neto, and the suspended Bruno Fernandes, to give younger players an opportunity.
Martínez explained the decision, stating that with qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals already secured, the focus now shifts to evaluating other players and preparing for the upcoming World Cup. Fábio Silva and Geovany Quenda have been called up from the Under-21 squad as replacements.
Despite recent strong performances, including a two-goal haul against Poland, Ronaldo’s absence is part of a broader strategy to rotate the squad. While Ronaldo’s age and recent Euro 2024 performances had sparked some debate, his impressive 15 goals this season speak for themselves. In contrast, Croatia’s Luka Modric is expected to play. The match is significant, though its outcome will not affect either team’s standing in the group.
First Piper 