Portugal’s exit from the World Cup has brought scrutiny to what many have called the best team in the country’s history, with Wayne Rooney and Ricardo Quaresma both questioning whether the midfielder has done enough to bring the best out of Cristiano Ronaldo during what has been a 41-year World Cup. Their criticism followed Portugal’s 1-0 Round of 16 defeat in Spain, a result that ended Ronaldo’s World Cup campaign and put the spotlight on a midfield team that included Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and João Neves who entered the tournament with high hopes but ended with disappointing contributions.
Ronaldo kneels after leaving Portugal
Portugal arrived at the tournament known as genuine contenders, boasting a squad full of established stars and up-and-coming talent. Much of the pre-tournament talk revolved around whether Ronaldo, now 41, would fare well with one of Europe’s most talented players at his disposal.Instead, Portugal’s campaign ended in the Round of 16 with a narrow defeat to Spain, bringing Ronaldo’s final World Cup appearance to a close.Before the match, Ronaldo confirmed that the tournament would be his last.“Of course, this was my last World Cup.“There will be time to think about everything else, to be with my family, and I want to not make decisions when I’m angry. Life goes on.”After the defeat, the Portuguese leader thought about his international career.“I won three goals in Portugal, before Cristiano won, Portugal had never won a single title in history.“I leave with a clear conscience and I have done everything I can in 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 World Cup in this match, the statistics from Portugal show that he often does little work.
Rooney questions Portugal’s approach
Speaking on the BBC World Cup, former Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney said Portugal had repeatedly failed to capitalize on Ronaldo’s residual power, movement and finishing inside the penalty area.“If you’re playing with Cristiano Ronaldo, you have to use him,” Rooney said.“You could have put the ball in the box, from Bruno Fernandes. But he refused to put it in.“If you’re going to play him, you have to use him!”“In the regular stages, he’s still a big threat for Portugal. Don’t play him 30 yards from goal, it’s not his strength anymore. Get him to the penalty area where he’s still working.”Rooney’s assessment builds on his comments earlier in the game, where he contrasted Portugal’s relationship with Ronaldo with Argentina’s commitment to Lionel Messi.“You always put Ronaldo and Messi together because they are two of the best players you have ever seen.“But the Argentine boys seem like they are all around Messi. They are all behind him. Messi has done very well in this World Cup.“I don’t feel good from the Portuguese players.”Rooney also admitted that age has changed Ronaldo’s game, with the former player no longer having the games that defined most of his career.
Quaresma takes a critical look at the Portuguese midfielder
Former Portugal midfielder Ricardo Quaresma made similar comments after the defeat, questioning the team’s performance and the widespread belief that the team represents Portugal’s strongest generation.“Everyone said that this team is the best in the history of Portugal, but in what way? What have they won? We are going home with our heads down.”Quaresma reserved criticism mainly for the midfielders.“In midfield, we have big, talented players, but they were very weak in this World Cup. The attack was there, the defense was lost.“Roberto Martinez has never inspired any confidence in me. We have to play the game with a lot of joy. We came out of the competition with a national team that everyone called ‘the best team in history’.Speaking directly to Portugal defender Rúben Dias in a podcast interview, Quaresma also criticized the team’s performance.“I don’t agree with what you are saying, I think you should have given more, because you are at a higher level.“I feel like you play too much at the back, to the side, not too many shots on goal… You talk about having the ball, but having the game doesn’t win.”
Statistics show Portugal’s lack of talent
The criticism of Rooney and Quaresma was fueled by the statistics of the Portuguese game.Despite boasting the great talent of Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, and João Neves, the Portuguese star midfielder failed to make an impact at the World Cup. While Bruno Fernandes was able to register an assist and create a few openings, his friends Vitinha and João Neves struggled with their skills, not managing a few threats throughout. This lack of fluidity suffocated Portugal, leaving them in the last third before being knocked out by Spain in the Round of 16.
Ruben Dias (3) of Portugal looks over Pedro Neto, bottom, during the World Cup soccer match in the round of 16 between Portugal and Spain in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
At the start of the tournament, Thierry Henry questioned whether Ronaldo’s presence was the best fit for Portugal’s attack. Following the exit of the Round of 16, however, the discussion has intensified.Instead of focusing on the veteran midfielder, Rooney and Quaresma both pointed to the lack of consistency between the Portuguese midfielder and the midfielder. For a team that is built around technical ability and possession, they argued, the inability to consistently provide one of the best finishers on the ball became one of the final themes of Ronaldo’s World Cup.
