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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Sunday Oliseh: How Ronaldo and Portugal can have the best 2026 World Cup
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.
