Portugal’s World Cup exit has prompted growing scrutiny of the team that many had labelled the finest in the nation’s history, with Wayne Rooney and Ricardo Quaresma both questioning whether the midfield did enough to bring the best out of Cristiano Ronaldo during what proved to be the 41-year-old’s final World Cup. Their criticism followed Portugal’s 1-0 Round of 16 defeat to Spain, a result that ended Ronaldo’s international World Cup journey and shifted attention towards a midfield unit featuring Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and João Neves that entered the tournament with enormous expectations but finished with a disappointing attacking contribution.
Ronaldo bows out after Portugal’s early exit
Portugal arrived at the tournament widely tipped as genuine contenders, boasting a squad packed with established stars and emerging talent. Much of the pre-tournament discussion centred on whether Ronaldo, now 41, could still thrive with one of Europe’s most technically gifted midfields supplying him.Instead, Portugal’s campaign ended in the Round of 16 with a narrow defeat to Spain, bringing Ronaldo’s final World Cup appearance to an emotional close.Before the match, Ronaldo confirmed that the tournament would be his last.“It’s true, 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 heated. Life goes on.”Following the defeat, the Portugal captain reflected on his international career.“I have won three titles for Portugal. Before Cristiano, Portugal had not won a single title in history. I won Euro 2016, which for me is like winning a World Cup.“I leave with a clear conscience and having given my best for 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 finally ended his long wait for a goal in the knockout stages of a World Cup during this tournament, the statistics behind Portugal’s campaign suggested he often operated with limited service.
Rooney questions Portugal’s approach
Speaking on the BBC’s World Cup coverage, former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney argued that Portugal repeatedly failed to utilise Ronaldo’s greatest remaining strength, his movement and finishing inside the penalty area.“If you are playing with Cristiano Ronaldo, you have to use him,” Rooney said.“The ball could have been put in the box here, from Bruno Fernandes. But they refuse to put it in.“If you play him, you have to use him!”“At set pieces, he is still a massive threat for Portugal. Don’t play him the ball 30 yards from the goal, that’s not his strength anymore. Get it to him into the penalty area where he is still effective.”Rooney’s assessment built on comments he had made earlier in the tournament, 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 two of the best players the game has ever seen.“But the Argentinian lads seem like they’re all there for Messi. They’re all behind him. Messi has obviously been fantastic at this World Cup.“I don’t get that vibe from the Portuguese players.”Rooney also acknowledged that age has naturally changed Ronaldo’s game, with the veteran striker no longer possessing the mobility that defined much of his career.
Quaresma delivers blunt assessment of Portugal’s midfield
Former Portugal winger Ricardo Quaresma offered an equally critical assessment after the defeat, questioning both the team’s performances and the widespread belief that this squad represented Portugal’s strongest generation.“Everyone was saying this team was the best in Portugal’s history, but in what way? What have they won? We’re going home with our heads down.”Quaresma reserved particular criticism for the midfield.“In midfield, we have great players, lots of talent, but they were very, very weak at this World Cup. The attack was the same, and the defense was lost.“Roberto Martinez never inspired any confidence in me. We need to play this game with much greater enjoyment. We exited the tournament with the national team that everyone called ‘the best squad in history’.”Speaking directly to Portugal defender Rúben Dias during a podcast discussion, Quaresma also criticised the team’s conservative style of play.“I don’t agree with what you’re saying. I think you could have given much more, because you’re at a very high level.“I felt you playing a lot backwards, sideways, not shooting as much at goal… You talked about possession, but possession doesn’t win games.”
Statistics underline Portugal’s lack of creativity
The criticism from Rooney and Quaresma was reinforced by Portugal’s tournament numbers.Despite boasting the immense talent of Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, and João Neves, Portugal’s star-studded midfield largely failed to spark their attack during the World Cup. While Bruno Fernandes did manage to register an assist and set up a few openings, his partners Vitinha and João Neves struggled deeply with their creativity, managing very little threat throughout the entire campaign. This distinct lack of fluid service severely choked Portugal’s offense, leaving them stagnant in the final third before their eventual Round of 16 elimination 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, near Dallas, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Earlier in the competition, Thierry Henry had questioned whether Ronaldo’s presence remained the best fit for Portugal’s attack. Following the Round of 16 exit, however, the discussion has broadened considerably.Rather than placing responsibility solely on the veteran striker, Rooney and Quaresma both pointed towards a disconnect between Portugal’s midfield and centre-forward. For a team built around technical control and possession, they argued, the failure to consistently supply one of football’s greatest finishers became one of the defining themes of Ronaldo’s final World Cup.
