Portugal’s World Cup exit prompted increased scrutiny of the team that many had described as the best in the nation’s history, with Wayne Rooney and Ricardo Quaresma both questioning whether the midfield did enough to bring out the best in Cristiano Ronaldo during what proved to be the final World Cup of 41 years. His criticism followed Portugal’s 1-0 round of 16 defeat in Spain, a result that ended Ronaldo’s international World Cup journey and shifted focus to a midfield unit featuring Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and João Neves that entered the tournament with huge expectations but ended up with a disappointing offensive contribution.
Ronaldo retires after Portugal’s first exit
Portugal came into the tournament widely fancied as genuine contenders, boasting a squad full of established stars and emerging talent. Much of the pre-tournament talk centered on whether Ronaldo, now 41, could still thrive with one of Europe’s most technically gifted midfields providing him.Instead, Portugal’s campaign ended in the Round of 16 with a narrow defeat to Spain, bringing Ronaldo’s final World Cup appearance to an emotional end.Before the match, Ronaldo confirmed that the tournament would be his last.“It’s true, this was my last World Cup.“There will be time to think about everything else, to be with my family, and I don’t want to make decisions when I’m in heat. Life goes on.”After the defeat, the captain of Portugal reflects on his international career.“I won three titles for Portugal. Before Cristiano, Portugal had not won a title in history. I won Euro 2016, which for me is like winning a World Cup.“I leave with a clear conscience and having given my best for Portugal.”
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (7) reacts during the World Cup Round of 16 soccer match between Portugal and Spain in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
Although Ronaldo ended his long wait for a goal in the knockout stage of a World Cup during this tournament, the statistics behind Portugal’s campaign suggest that he often operated with limited service.
Rooney questions Portugal’s approach
Speaking on the BBC’s World Cup coverage, former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney argued that Portugal have repeatedly failed to use Ronaldo’s greatest remaining strength, his movement and finishing in the penalty area.“If you play with Cristiano Ronaldo, you have to use it,” Rooney said.“The ball could have been put in the box there, by Bruno Fernandes. But they refused to put it.“If you play it, you have to use it!”“At seven pieces, he is still a massive threat for Portugal. Don’t play the ball 30 yards from the goal, that is no longer his strength. Get it to him in the penalty area where he is always effective.”Rooney’s assessment built on comments he had made earlier in the tournament, when he contrasted Portugal’s relationship with Ronaldo to Argentina’s commitment to Lionel Messi.“You always put Ronaldo and Messi together because they are two of the best players the game has ever seen.“But the Argentine kids seem like they’re all there for Messi. They’re all behind him. Messi is obviously fantastic in this World Cup.“I don’t get that vibe from the Portuguese players.”Rooney also acknowledged that age has naturally changed Ronaldo’s game, with the veteran striker no longer possessing the mobility that has defined much of his career.
Quaresma makes a strong assessment of Portugal’s midfield
Former Portugal goalkeeper Ricardo Quaresma offered an equally critical assessment after the defeat, questioning both the team’s performances and the widespread belief that this team represents Portugal’s strongest generation.“Everyone said that this team was the best in the history of Portugal, but in what way? What did they win? We go home with our heads down.”Quaresma reserved particular criticism for the midfield.“In the midfield, we have great players, very talented, but they were very, very weak in this World Cup. The attack was the same, and the defense was lost.“Roberto Martinez never inspired any confidence in me. We need to play this game with much greater pleasure. We came out of the tournament with the national team that everyone called “the best team in history”.Speaking directly to Portugal defender Rúben Dias during a podcast discussion, Quaresma also criticized the team’s conservative style of play.“I don’t agree with what you say. I think you could have given a lot more, because you are at a very high level.“I felt that he plays a lot at the back, on the side, he doesn’t shoot as much at goal… You talked about possession, but possession doesn’t win games.”
The statistics underline Portugal’s lack of creativity
Criticism of Rooney and Quaresma was reinforced by Portugal’s tournament numbers.Despite the immense talent of Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and João Neves, Portugal’s star-studded midfield has largely failed to spark their attack during the World Cup. While Bruno Fernandes managed to register an assist and set up a few openings, his teammates Vitinha and João Neves struggled greatly with their creativity, managing very little threat throughout the campaign. This distinct lack of fluid service severely hampered Portugal’s offense, leaving them stagnant in the final third ahead of their eventual round of 16 elimination by Spain.
Portugal’s Ruben Dias (3) checks on Pedro Neto, bottom, during the World Cup Round of 16 soccer match between Portugal and Spain in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Before the competition, Thierry Henry had questioned whether the presence of Ronaldo remained the best fit for Portugal’s attack. After the exit of the Round of 16, however, the discussion widened considerably.Rather than placing the onus solely on the veteran striker, Rooney and Quaresma both pointed towards a disconnect between Portugal’s midfield and centre. For a team built around technical control and possession, they argued, the failure to consistently deliver one of football’s greatest finishers became one of the defining themes of Ronaldo’s final World Cup.