Soccer
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal. Copyright: xBahhoxKarax
Former Super Eagles and Juventus midfielder Sunday Oliseh has revealed how Portugal can get the best out of Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 41-year-old is in his final World Cup, his last chance to lift the only trophy that has eluded him in a trophy-laden career. After a poor outing in the friendly against Nigeria, Roberto Martinez opted to start the Al-Nassr striker against DR Congo.
While Portugal had most of the possession, they barely created clear-cut chances, leaving the five-time Ballon d’Or winner scrambling for crumbs.
Joao Neves broke the deadlock with a header before Yoane Wissa responded with a bullet header on the stroke of half-time, in what was DR Congo’s first goal at a World Cup.
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The aftermath of the game saw the football world divided in opinion on who to blame for the poor display of football by a team that has arguably the best midfield of any nation at the Copa Mundial.
Oliseh, speaking on the Global Football Insights show, opined that the best way to allow the ex-Real Madrid winger to flourish is to limit his minutes on the pitch.
“Ronaldo is exceptional, but he’s gone from being a great dribbler to being a fox in the box. He’s adapted his game to fit his age. He’s very fit.
“But at the World Cup, they don’t need the fox in the box anymore.
“I think it’s better he plays 35 minutes where he can give a 100% than try to play through 90 minutes and not be at his best.
“This team is very young, and they’re creative. For that reason, they need movements in attack. He’s taking a place that’s very strategic.
“Strikers don’t have to always wait for balls in the modern age. He has scored loads of goals, but there’s a reason they tell footballers to start writing footballers when they get to 33.
“You cannot think you want to play forever. At some point, he has to stop,” the AFCON 1994 winner concluded
Portugal will play against Uzbekistan next Tuesday at the Houston Stadium. You can confirm the kick-off time here.
Adefolahan Guerreiro
Adefolahan is a multilingual CAF-Accredited sports journalist and football writer whose work spans outlets like Soccernet Nigeria, Pure Football UK, and Royalsportz.
With a sharp eye for detail and a background in college sports, he tells the African football story with depth, flair, and global perspective.
Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, he brings a cross-cultural voice to his coverage, blending insight with accessibility for readers around the world.
His portfolio includes interviews with top Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, Sikiru Alimi, Sodiq Ismaila, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.
A devoted Borussia Dortmund fan, Adefolahan thrives on the emotion and rhythm of the beautiful game. Away from work, he’s a sci-fi enthusiast and series lover who enjoys exploring how sport, storytelling, and culture collide.
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