Portugal national football team: ‘Very, very weak’: Rooney and Quaresma attack Portugal’s star midfielders over Cristiano Ronaldo failure in World Cup final Football News
Portugal’s World Cup exit has sparked growing scrutiny of a team regarded by many as the best in the country’s history, with both Wayne Rooney and Ricardo Quaresma questioning whether the midfield will be enough to get the best out of Cristiano Ronaldo in the 41-year-old’s final World Cup. Their criticism came after Portugal lost 1-0 to Spain in the last 16, a result that ended Ronaldo’s international World Cup campaign and shifted attention to a midfield line-up of Bruno Fernandez, Vitinha and Joao Neves that went into the World Cup with huge expectations but ultimately disappointed in their attacking contributions.
Ronaldo quits after Portugal’s early exit
Portugal were widely considered to be genuine contenders heading into this World Cup, boasting a roster filled with established stars and emerging talent. Much of the discussion before the game centered on whether Ronaldo, 41, could still thrive alongside one of Europe’s most technically gifted midfielders.Instead, Portugal narrowly lost to Spain in the round of 16, bringing a happy ending to Ronaldo’s last World Cup appearance.Before the game, Ronaldo confirmed that this would be his last game.“Indeed, this is my last World Cup.“I’ll have time to think about other things, be with my family, and I don’t want to make decisions when I’m emotional. Life goes on.”After the defeat, the Portugal captain reflected on his international career.“I won three championships for Portugal. Before Cristiano, Portugal had never won any championships in their history. I won Euro 2016, which for me was like winning the World Cup.”“I leave with a clear conscience and gave my best for Portugal.”
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (7) plays against Spain during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match in Arlington, Texas, Monday, July 6, 2026, near Dallas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
Although Ronaldo finally ended his long wait for a goal in the knockout rounds of this World Cup, Portugal’s statistics show that his performances were often limited.
Rooney questions Portugal’s approach
Speaking to BBC World Cup coverage, former Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney said Portugal had repeatedly failed to capitalize on Ronaldo’s greatest remaining strengths, which are his runs and shots inside the penalty area.“If you play with Cristiano Ronaldo, you have to use him,” Rooney said.“The ball could have been put into the box from Bruno Fernandes. But they refused to put it in.“If you play with him, you have to use him!”“He is still a huge threat for Portugal at set-pieces. Don’t pass the ball 30 yards from goal, that’s not his strength anymore. Pass him into the penalty area, where he’s still effective.”Rooney’s assessment builds on comments he made earlier in the World Cup 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 the two best players in the history of football.“But the Argentinian lads seem to be behind Messi. They are all behind him. Messi has obviously done well in this World Cup.“I didn’t get that vibe from the Portuguese players.”Rooney also admitted that age has naturally changed Ronaldo’s game, with the veteran striker no longer possessing the mobility that defined much of his career.
Quaresma’s candid assessment of Portugal’s midfield
Former Portugal winger Ricardo Quaresma was similarly critical after the defeat, questioning the team’s performance and the widespread perception that the team represents Portugal’s strongest generation.“Everyone says this team is the best in Portuguese history, but in what way? What did they win? We’re going home with our heads down.”Quaresma reserved particular criticism for the midfield.“In the midfield we have good players, a lot of talent, but they are very, very weak in this World Cup. The attack is the same, the defense is missing.”“Roberto Martinez never gave me any confidence. We need to play this game with greater enjoyment. We exit the game with a national team that everyone calls ‘the best team in history’.”During the podcast discussion, Quaresma spoke directly to Portugal defender Ruben Dias, who also criticized the team’s conservative style of play.“I don’t agree with you. I think you could have given more because your level is so high.“I feel like you’re kicking back a lot, sideways, not taking many shots… You talk about possession, but possession doesn’t win games.”
Statistics highlight Portugal’s lack of creativity
Portugal’s match statistics reinforce Rooney and Quaresma’s criticisms.Despite possessing the immense talent of Bruno Fernandez, Vitinha and Joao Neves, Portugal’s star-studded midfield has largely failed to spark their attack during the World Cup. While Bruno Fernandes managed to dish out an assist and create some openings, his co-stars Vitinha and Joao Neves struggled creatively and posed little threat throughout the game. This apparent lack of smooth serving severely hindered Portugal’s attack, causing them to stall in the final third and eventually being eliminated from the last 16 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, Monday, July 6, 2026 near Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Earlier in the game, Thierry Henry had questioned whether Ronaldo’s presence would still best suit Portugal’s attack. However, after the round of 16 exit, the scope of discussion expanded significantly.Rooney and Quaresma did not place the blame entirely on the experienced striker, but instead pointed to the disconnect between Portugal’s midfield and centre-forward. They believe that for a team built around technical control and possession, the failure to consistently provide one of football’s greatest finishers became one of the defining themes of Ronaldo’s final World Cup.
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