World Cup superstars : Cristiano Ronaldo most expensive Leader for Portugal
It is no secret that Portugal’s World Cup hopes rest on the shoulders of their captain, Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo is a talented football star and is the most expensive player in the history of football due to his transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid, which was worth €94 million. He is to be paid €11 million for the next six years. However some are starting to question whether he is worth the investment.
The addition of Ronaldo did not help Real Madrid this year as they finished behind Barcelona in the Spanish League and Madrid lost to Lyon 2-1 on aggregate in the Round of 16.
There is no doubting Ronaldo’s talent and his ability on the pitch. What many question him for is his attitude and his leadership quality. We’ve seen many athletes who have let success get to their head and many accuse Ronaldo of the same sin. Ronaldo has received the reputation for being a diva and a complainer when things don’t go his way.
Portugal has made some great strides as a football power but they do not have any championships to show for it. In 2004, Ronaldo made his debut in an international tournament at the Euro Cup in 2004, when Portugal fell to Greece in the finals, 1-0. In 2006, Portugal went all the way to the semifinals before losing a tight contest 1-0 to France, once again their offence running out of gas in a big game. Portugal then lost in 2008 to Germany in the Euro 2008 quarter final 3-2. Portugal always seems to fall short in the big game.
The doubters were fed with more skepticism when it appeared Portugal would fail to qualify for this year’s World Cup. Only a late surge in qualifying salvaged Portugal’s entry into the World Cup.
At this stage of his career this may be the best of Ronaldo we’ll see in his career as he is 25 years old and in his prime. Ronaldo has a chance in this year’s World Cup to silence his critics and show if he can lead his nation to World Cup glory. Ronaldo’s offensive firepower got Portugal to the grand stage, now he must continue if the Portuguese are to stand a chance as they have tough competition in their group with the greatest team in the world, Brazil and an emerging Ivory Coast.
Many hope that Ronaldo has matured since the last World Cup as he is remembered for certain incidents such as head butting Richard Hughes in 2007 and just last year when he was carded for taking his shirt off in a goal celebration then for kicking out at an opponent minutes later. Portuguese supporters better hope that Ronaldo focuses on playing his best game and leading his team towards their goal.
The injury of Portuguese star Nani will be tough for the team to overcome as many expected Nani to play a key role alongside Ronaldo in the World Cup. Nani’s absence only puts more pressure on Ronaldo.
Many are not counting Portugal as a heavy World Cup favorite. The favorites are Brazil, Spain, the Netherlands, Argentina and England. Many are counting out teams like Germany, Italy, France and Portugal which is not wise. However the underdog mentality may be a better fit for this Portuguese club and for Ronaldo in particular as there may be less pressure on him.
If Portugal is to win it all this year, the world’s most expensive player must show why he is the world’s most expensive player. Portugal needs him like humans need oxygen. He must deliver as a player and as a captain in order for Portugal to be successful; their hopes live and die with his performance.
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