“Saying that out loud is dangerous” - Fans debate whether Portugal have better chances at World Cup without Cristiano Ronaldo after 9-1 win vs Armenia

Football fans have commenced conversations over the impact Cristiano Ronaldo would have on Portugal's chances at the FIFA World Cup after their win over Armenia. The Selecao ran out convincing 9-1 winners to close out their Group F campaign and seal their place in next summer's World Cup in style.

Cristiano Ronaldo was absent for his country as they hosted Armenia due to a red card he picked up three days earlier against the Republic of Ireland. The UEFA Nations League holders lost that game in Dublin, leaving them in need of a win against Armenia to qualify for the Mundial.

Portugal put their visitors to the sword, scoring nearly double of the five goals they put past them in Yerevan earlier this year. The quality of their performance and the circumstances surrounding the game, particularly Ronaldo's absence, led to some conversations from fans on X.

A fan initiated a debate by asking if Portugal stand a better chance of winning the World Cup without the Al-Nassr man.

The Touchline | 𝐓

@TouchlineX

🚨 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗘 𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗟𝗦𝗘: Portugal's chances of winning the World Cup are higher without Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting XI.

Another fan agreed with the notion, pointing out that the 40-year-old is a liability to the team, but his ego keeps him from accepting.

Viko 🦉

@vikogami

@TouchlineX It’s a well known fact. His off the ball movements and limited physicality is a liability for the team. Brother is washed, his ego won’t accept. This team can win the world cup without R7.

A fan disagreed, pointing out that Cristiano Ronaldo brings more maturity and leadership when he plays.

Oluwamomi

@Oluwamomi_

@TouchlineX When Portugal lost the world cup to Morrocco, you were part of them that said Ronaldo should have started. The truth is that when Ronaldo is on the pitch, there's maturity and leadership.

A fan pointed to their prolific showing as evidence of Ronaldo being a problem to the team.

messistaa

@messiraph10

@TouchlineX They couldn’t even score one the last match, now they scored five in one half. We all know Ronaldo is the problem now

Another fan explained that without the experienced forward, the midfield controls the game better and attack works faster, and proposed that he be kept on the bench in the World Cup.

Marcus ₿urelius

@MarcusBurelius

@TouchlineX Portugal just put five past Armenia in one half without Ronaldo starting. The midfield controls the game better and the attack clicks faster. True all the way for that World Cup run.

A fan painted an analogy explaining why Portugal are better off without their record goalscorer.

pebble

@pebbles_hl

@TouchlineX Portugal without Ronaldo is like Wi-Fi without a password sometimes it just runs smoother… but saying that out loud is dangerous.

Another fan attributed Cristiano Ronaldo to chaos, pointing out that Portugal would be best served tactically if he does not play.

muimuiko ☠️

@_muimuiko

@TouchlineX Depends if Portugal want vibes or violence. With Ronaldo it’s chaos energy, without him it’s tactical football

A fan pointed out that the discussion is not a straightforward one as Ronaldo's presence remains important even if the team is evolving.

Akereyejo

@Palermo_seun

@TouchlineX False. Portugal are stronger with or without Ronaldo depending on the opponent, but saying they have “higher” chances without him is oversimplifying. His presence still changes games, even if the team is evolving beyond him.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in the reverse fixture against Armenia and would have been itching to be involved in the game in Porto. His teammates ensured that there was no jeopardy in their attempt to reach the World Cup finals, securing a first win in three and their place in the tournament.

Bruno Fernandes shines as Cristiano Ronaldo-less Portugal trounce Armenia

Bruno Fernandes played a starring role for Portugal in the absence of Captain Cristiano Ronaldo as they put nine past Armenia. The Selecao ended their qualifying campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a huge win in front of their fans in Porto.

Absent from the defeat to the Republic of Ireland, Fernandes marked his return to the squad with a hat-trick. The Manchester United man was joined by fellow midfielder Joao Neves, who also scored a treble of his own in the game.

Starting up top in place of Ronaldo, Goncalo Ramos found the net for his side, as did defender Renato Veiga and Francisco Conceicao. Roberto Martinez's side laid down a marker ahead of the return of their captain, as they will be one of the contenders for the title next summer.