So here we are, the opening fixture of the tournament and all eyes are on one man. Cristiano Ronaldo, who else The skipper starts, and that alone send...
So here we are, the opening fixture of the tournament and all eyes are on one man. Cristiano Ronaldo, who else The skipper starts, and that alone sends a clear message from the bench. Portugal are not here to feel their way into the competition. They are here to impose themselves from the first whistle.Let's be honest, the DR Congo are no pushovers. They have pace in wide areas and a midfield that can mix it with the best. But the tactical question is simple. Can they handle a Portuguese side that now offers genuine threat from every angle With Ronaldo leading the line, you know the service will come early and often. The real battle will be in the transitions. Portugal will want to break quickly, using the veteran's movement to pull defenders out of shape. If DR Congo sit deep, they risk giving him time on the edge of the box. Pick your poison.There is an emotional weight to this selection too. Ronaldo has faced his fair share of scrutiny this season, questions about whether he can still deliver on the biggest stage. But starting him here is a declaration of faith. It says we trust you to set the tone. And if you know anything about this man, you know he thrives on that kind of responsibility. Squeaky bum time for the opposition You bet.The key for Portugal will be the support cast. If the midfield can pin DR Congo back and the full backs get high, Ronaldo will have the space he craves. If not, we could see a frustrating afternoon of him dropping deep to collect the ball. That is not where Portugal want him. They want him in the mixer, smelling a chance.So what happens when the whistle blows Expect a fast start from Portugal, a few early corners, and plenty of chatter from the bench. This is the kind of game that could be decided by one moment of clinical finishing. And if there is one man who knows how to take a chance, it is the man wearing the armband.
