Five-time Ballon d’Or
winner Cristiano Ronaldo had just ten touches and one shot after coming off the
bench during Portugal’s 1-0 World Cup defeat to Morocco. It was heartbreak, not
just for the forward, but for many Goan fans who were supporting this famous
footballer. With Portugal out of the equation, now the focus is on the top four
teams that made it to the Semi-finals, Croatia, Morocco, France and Argentina.
Each team has their own great players and it all comes down to the final win on
December 18.
After Portugal’s exit, I am now supporting Argentina because
they are likely the favourites to win the World Cup. I hope Argentina wins
because I either wanted Ronaldo or Messi to lift the cup and it would really
nice to see Messi winning his first and probably his last World Cup ever. Also,
Argentina are a very strong team having good and young players as Julian
Alvarez, E Fernandez, Lautaro Martinez etc. They also have a strong
determination to go on till the end of the game. It was really sad to see
Ronaldo’s dream of a World Cup coming to an end at the early stage and most
importantly at his last World Cup and seeing how the year has gone for him, it
will make every CR7 fan sad.
Fabio Fernandes, Merces
Portugal were favourites to win the World CuHonestly speaking, I
wanted a Brazil vs Portugal Final because it was a match between every
neutral’s favourite team vs a team which featured the GOAT CR7. In the build up
to the World Cup, Ronaldo hasn’t had the best of times on and off the field.
Yet, despite his recent sour outburst against Manchester United, it was a sad
scene to watch him leave in tears. But, the show must go on and I hope we have
a new winner this year either Morocco or Croatia to make it the most memorable
World Cup ever if it hasn’t already!
Omi, Vasco
This World Cup has been interesting and the results have also
been unbelievable. Great teams like Spain, Germany, Brazil and now Portugal
have been beaten and teams like Morocco have beaten them. After Portugal, the
focus of the entire world has shifted to Messi. I have supported Argentina as I
am a big fan of Diego Maradona. The country of Argentina is behind Messi and
since this will be his last World Cup, I fully support him. I hope Messi wins
the World Cup and I feel proud to say that I’m a fan of Messi and Argentina.
Dilip Satardekar, Mayem, Bicholim
Portugal were favourites to win the World Cup, however, defeat
to a hungry Moroccon side with the inclusion of the services of Cristiano
Ronaldo very late into the game, ensured that Portugal wouldn’t advance any
further than the Quarter Finals. Portugal’s elimination meant that this was not
only Ronaldo’s last World Cup game but also his last World Cup, with the next
World Cup being held in 2026. It is doubtful whether 41 year old Cristiano
Ronaldo will continue. The nasty three lettered word called ego, got the better
of the Portuguese coach and Cristiano Ronaldo, perhaps if the duo had to make
amends, the World Cup elimination could have been averted. The alternative to
Portugal, is in Messi’s in form Argentina, who after a shocking maiden match
defeat to Saudi Arabia, bounced back ever since by defeating the likes of
Mexico, Poland, Australia and the Netherlands. They’re next challenge comes in
Luka Modric’s Croatia, who they’re scheduled to play in their Semi-final
fixture later this week. Can Messi work his magic? I really hope he does!
Liam Vas, Margao
This was not Ronaldo’s year. He had to face many ups and downs
in his personal and professional life and I feel he was mistreated, first by
Manchester United and now by the Portugal coach. He is the GOAT and he should
not have been benched. He is among the all-time top goal scorers for the World
Cup. The fans in the stadiums were there for Ronaldo more than the Portugal
team. He is a legend. The people of Portugal and the world should not forget
his contribution to the game. I hope that one of the new contenders like
Croatia or Morocco should win the World Cup. These nations should also win and
get their hands on the trophy which can boost the sport in their nation.
Peter Figueiredo, Taleigao
Argentina! One of the legends of our era deserves to win the
trophy. It’s been surprises galore at this World Cup. Big teams have been made
to bite the dust. A generation awaits to see the trophy held by Ronaldo or
Messi. Since it’s adios to Ronaldo, I will be cheering for the Albicelestes.
James Mendonca, Duler, Mapusa
Cristiano Ronaldo has played for 22 matches for five World Cups
and has dedicated 18 years of his footballing career to the World Cup. He is
also the first man to score in five football World Cups, scoring in every
edition he has played in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022. It was disheartening
to see him walk out of the field after their exit from the World Cup. But
Ronaldo fans should not lose hope as very soon Ronaldo Jr will be in the game.
France is the defending champions and their performance has been consistently
good. Players like Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud and
their goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris makes their team stronger while still the team
are missing out on great players like N’Golo Kante Paul Pogba and Karim Benzema
due to injury.
Clifton D’Cruz, Pirna
Arguably, no one expected Portugal to get knocked out by Morocco.
As it was Ronaldo’s last World Cup, the fact that his World Cup dream will
always remain a dream. hurts me more than the defeat. The way Morocco have been
playing this World Cup is on another level. Having already created history by
becoming the first African nation to reach the World Cup Semi-finals, I won’t
be surprised if they go on to win the title. But personally, I will be cheering
for Croatia.
Vaughan D’Souza, Navelim
If there’s one word to describe the matches this World Cup, it
is ‘unpredictable’. Saturday night’s result was a hard pill to swallow for all
the Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo fans across the globe, including myself.
There’s always going to be that one missing puzzle piece in one of the most
illustrious careers ever in sporting history. Currently, all the four teams
left have a lot to offer and play to their strengths. Personally, I would like
to see an African nation (Morocco) bring the cup home for the first time by
continuing their dream run!
Alister Fernandes, Merces
