Portugal concluded its preparations for the 2026 World Cup with a 2-1 friendly victory over Nigeria at the Magalhaes Pessoa stadium in Leiria on 10/6.

Ronaldo started the match before being substituted for Goncalo Ramos in the 64th minute. The Portugal captain touched the ball 25 times, completed no dribbles, took four shots, and missed three clear chances. Sofascore rated Ronaldo 6,2 points, the lowest among Portugal's 11 starting players.

Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during Portugal's 2-1 friendly win over Nigeria in Leiria, Portugal on 10/6/2026. Photo: AP

In the 9th minute, with the score at 0-0, the 41-year-old forward shot wide of the post in a one-on-one situation, following a cross from Nelson Semedo on the right wing. In the 34th minute, from a corner on the left, he rushed in to head over the bar. In the second half, Ronaldo continued to squander opportunities, mishitting the ball inside the penalty area.

In the match, Pedro Neto opened the scoring with a diagonal shot, before Akor Adams equalized for Nigeria late in the first half. In the second half, 23-year-old midfielder Francisco Conceicao shone with a stunning left-footed curling shot, securing Portugal's 2-1 victory. Days earlier, Roberto Martinez's squad had also defeated Chile 2-1 at the Jamor stadium.

Despite Portugal winning both friendly matches ahead of the 2026 World Cup, international media focused on Ronaldo's disappointing performance.

AS (Spain) suggested that the Al Nassr forward is having issues with his finishing. The newspaper noted, "The number 7 forward had many chances but continued to miss, which could worry fans before the World Cup opener." AS also recalled Ronaldo squandering a one-on-one opportunity in the first half when the score was 0-0, commenting, "Plays that were almost certain goals a few years ago are no longer so."

Marca, meanwhile, praised the role of Conceicao, who scored the decisive goal for Portugal. However, the newspaper believed that Portugal has not yet shown convincing form as a top contender for the 2026 World Cup title.

Francisco Conceicao (left) celebrates the winning goal with Nuno Mendes. Photo: Reuters

From France, RMC Sport described Ronaldo as "clumsy" in his finishing. Nevertheless, the newspaper assessed that Portugal concluded its preparations positively and commended Conceicao's "moment of genius."

L'Equipe shared a similar view, highlighting the 22-year-old winger's brilliant goal as Portugal's brightest spot in the match against Nigeria.

Corriere dello Sport (Italy) wrote, "Conceicao led Portugal to victory. The team opened the scoring through Neto but allowed the opponent to equalize after missing many chances, including several from Ronaldo. Ultimately, Conceicao scored the decisive goal."

Bild (Germany) expressed a more pessimistic view, suggesting that Ronaldo is not in his best form before the World Cup. The article stated, "He is not ready for the World Cup. Portugal struggled to defeat Nigeria. Fans have reason to worry as Ronaldo missed numerous opportunities against an opponent that did not even qualify for the World Cup. He did not show his usual precision in the final rehearsal match."

From Brazil, Globo Esporte also focused on the former Man Utd and Real Madrid forward's missed shots. The newspaper wrote, "Ronaldo missed many clear chances, including a rather inexplicable one-on-one situation. Despite this, Portugal still won thanks to Conceicao's brilliant goal."

Coach Roberto Martinez encourages Cristiano Ronaldo as he is substituted in the 64th minute. Photo: AP

In contrast to the skeptical assessments from foreign media, Coach Roberto Martinez expressed satisfaction with Portugal's performance in the two friendly matches against Chile and Nigeria. He acknowledged that Portugal still has aspects that need improvement, from one-on-one duels and covering to handling set-piece situations. However, Martinez praised the team's work ethic.

The 52-year-old coach also explained the decision to change almost the entire squad after halftime, with the exception of Ronaldo. According to him, the coaching staff developed individual training plans for each player to ensure optimal physical condition before the World Cup.

When asked about the starting lineup for the opening match against DR Congo on 17/6, Portugal's head coach declined to reveal it. He emphasized that modern football no longer relies on just the starting 11 players.

Hong Duy (via Abola)