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Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has responded to whether his side are a better team without Cristiano Ronaldo. He commented after A Selecao thrashed Armenia 9-1 in the last round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Sunday, November 16.
Cristiano Ronaldo wasn't a part of the matchday squad to face Armenia due to suspension. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was sent off due to violent conduct during Portugal's shock 2-0 loss against Ireland on Thursday, November 13.
Despite Ronaldo's absence, Roberto Martinez and Co. ran riot against Armenia. Both Joao Neves and Bruno Fernandes scored hat-tricks, while Renato Veiga, Goncalo Ramos, and Chico Conceicao were also amongst the goals.
After securing their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer, Martinez was asked if his side are a better team without Cristiano Ronaldo, to which he replied (via O Jogo):
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"No, we are better with Ronaldo, Nuno Mendes and Pedro Neto. The most important thing is that football is a game of mistakes, of difficulties, of resilience, and when some players aren't there, we have to find a way to win. I think the important thing is to have all the important players, but also to have confidence and a clear idea that we can win when certain players aren't in the starting eleven."
With their 9-1 win, Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
"He brings things that other players don't bring" - Bruno Fernandes makes honest admission on Portugal's style of play without Cristiano Ronaldo
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes believes each player in the Portugal national team is important and brings value following their 9-1 win over Armenia. Fernandes also acknowledged Cristiano Ronaldo's contributions during the World Cup qualifiers, stating that the 40-year-old still has qualities others don't possess.
Following their vital win, Fernandes was asked about Portugal's style of play without Ronaldo, to which he firmly stated (via O Jogo):
"Cristiano scored many goals in this qualifying campaign, he brings things that other players don't bring, and others bring things that Cristiano doesn't. When we're here, we're missed, and when we're not, we're not. We have to talk about everyone the same way; I see the game as a whole, not just individually."
He added:
"We have to get rid of this idea that some players make the team play better or worse, that they're missed or not. Everyone here is missed, everyone can be called up and be in this group. All players are important and will be important when they are called upon."
Despite his disappointing performance against Ireland, Cristiano Ronaldo has played a key role for Portugal during the World Cup qualifiers, recording five goals in five appearances.
