Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has angrily shot down suggestions of his side being dependent on Cristiano Ronaldo to win games.

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• Ronaldo comes off bench to rescue Portugal in 2-1 win
• Martinez questioned over Ronaldo dependence
• Portugal boss shoots down suggestions

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ronaldo has not been in the best of form over the last season and a half, however, this September, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has proven his sheer quality and ability as he scored twice in Portugal's opening two games in the Nations League. On Sunday night, Ronaldo came off the bench at half-time and scored the winning goal over Scotland in the dying minutes of the match.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Martinez's Portugal struggled for goals at Euro 2024 in Germany earlier this year, and suggestions are now being made that Martinez's side may be too dependent on Ronaldo to get favourable results. However, the former Belgium coach has insisted his team is not overly-reliant on their 39-year-old superstar.

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  WHAT MARTINEZ SAID

  Speaking to the media, Martinez said: "Dependence? He's an incredible player. There's no dependence. He's an asset. In front of goal, he's very important. His intelligence in opening up spaces is important. Talking about dependence is not something I value."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR PORTUGAL?

  Martinez will be very pleased with Portugal's start to the Nations League group stages with two wins in two games as the September international period comes to an end. Portugal will be in action again next month when they take on Poland and Scotland.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News