FIFA World Cup 2022: Can Cristiano Ronaldo lead Portugal for the glory?
On Monday a video shows Bruno Fernandes allegedly giving Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo a cold reception.
The incident occurred following Ronaldo’s interview with Piers Morgan, in which he criticized several Manchester United figures. As a result, the club is considering terminating his contract.
Bruno Fernandes gives Cristiano Ronaldo a frosty reception as Portugal meet for the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/W5rDdMirc8
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 15, 2022
The footage, which was shared by the Portuguese FA, revealed Fernandes’ arrival at a training facility. As he enters the building, he shakes hands and bumps fists with members of the staff. The footage then turns to him entering the locker room, where his greeting for Ronaldo is less than enthusiastic.
However, according to Portugal midfielder Joao Mario, the incident was the consequence of a joke between the two players.
“I was there and witnessed everything; it was a humorous moment that was misunderstood from the outside,” remarked a giggling Joao Mario. “It was a joke between them since Bruno was one of the last people to arrive, and Cristiano asked him whether he had arrived by boat.
“I acknowledge that the photographs might be construed in a variety of ways, but it was a joke between them. They have a terrific friendship since they play together; I observed them throughout the entire day yesterday. There are no disagreements between them.”
Portugal World Cup 2022 squad
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Rui Patricio (AS Roma)
Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Joao Cancelo (Manchester City), Danilo Pereira (PSG), Pepe (FC Porto), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Antonio Silva (SL Benfica), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund)
Midfielders: Joao Palhinha (Fulham FC), Ruben Neves (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Joao Mario (SL Benfica), Matheus Nunes (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Otavio Monteiro (FC Porto), Vitinha (PSG), William Carvalho (Real Betis)
Forwards: Andre Silva (RB Leipzig), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Goncalo Ramos (SL Benfica), Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid), Rafael Leao (AC Milan), Ricardo Horta (SC Braga).
Cristiano Ronaldo will almost certainly be taking part in his last World Cup. The all-time leading international goalscorer will look to add the World Cup to his horde of trophies.
Bruno Fernandes will also be one to watch, as will Rafael Leao, who has been impressing at AC Milan this season.
Who are the teams competing in Group H?
Group H is the most spicy. Portugal possesses a number of formidable defenders, but like its star player Cristiano Ronaldo, they are no longer expected to contend for top honors.
Uruguay might be the tournament’s dark horse. There is always a team that blazes a path through at least a few of rounds, and there is always a sly, advantageous path to the tournament’s conclusion.
What is Portugal’s World Cup record?
Portugal have appeared at the tournament seven times. On their debut appearance in 1966 they recorded their highest ever finish: third place.
Portugal have appeared at the previous five editions of the World Cup and fell to Uruguay in the round of 16 at Russia 2018.
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