Portugal boss Roberto Martinez risks Cristiano Ronaldo argument after Scotland win - 'He can't'
Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal star came off the bench to score the winner against Scotland in their Nations League clash on Sunday night
REUTERS
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has risked a row with Cristiano Ronaldo by saying he benched the forward because he can't start two matches in the space of 72 hours.
The 39-year-old struck in the dying stages to give his country a 2-1 win after goals from former team-mates Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes.
Portugal opted to drop Ronaldo just days after he'd scored his 900th career goal against Croatia.
Diogo Jota was preferred up top instead, with the Liverpool star deployed down the middle with Pedro Neto and Rafael Leao on the flanks.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal star came off the bench to score the winner against Scotland in their Nations League clash on Sunday night
REUTERS
Ronaldo came off the bench to make his mark, with the Al-Nassr star scoring the winner with just two minutes left on the clock.
It's an open secret that the veteran doesn't like being benched, having thrown tantrums when dropped or substituted in the past.
And while Martinez was pleased with his impact, the Portugal boss has now risked a row with his talisman by saying he's unable to play two matches in the space of 72 hours.
“Cristiano is in a good moment," he said.
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"It's September, he's played three games, he's scored for his club.
"We need to protect all the players. Cristiano can't play two 90-minute games in 72 hours.
"Today the important thing was that, if he needed to be on the pitch, it was to finish the game and not to start.
"I really liked his commitment, he's ready to do what the team needs and be decisive once again.”
Ronaldo was widely criticised by fans and pundits alike after failing to score for Portugal at the European Championships in Germany this summer.
Yet he's still clearly capable of scoring crucial goals when required, as Sunday night's match shows.
Ronaldo now has a staggering 901 goals to his name, which is more than any other player in football history.
He's eager to get to the 1,000 mark before he retires - and few would bet against him continuing to produce the goods in the coming weeks, months and years ahead.
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Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has risked angering his No 7 following his side's 2-1 Nations League win over Scotland
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Martinez, meanwhile, also hit back at claims Portugal were 'dependant' on Ronaldo.
“Dependent on Ronaldo? He’s an incredible player. It’s not dependence, he’s an asset," said the former Belgium boss.
“In front of goal, he’s crucial. His intelligence to open spaces is important. Speaking of dependence doesn’t make sense.”
Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal star now has 901 career goals after his effort against Scotland on Sunday night
REUTERS
The result means Portugal now sit top of their Nations League group with six points from a possible six.
Croatia are in second after they beat Poland 1-0 courtesy of a goal from Luka Modric in the 52nd minute.
Scotland are rooted to the bottom of the group having lost both of their matches so far.