Despite being one of the oldest players in the game, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be regarded as one of the most lethal finishers in the world. The Portuguese forward has been in fine form for his club, Al-Nassr, in the Saudi Pro League, topping the goalscoring chart with six goals and three assists in just four games this season.
The former Manchester United forward was called up to the Portugal national team for his fine form for his club, and Ronaldo has not shown any signs of slowing down. However, the global superstar was involved in a head-kicking incident involving former United teammate Martin Dubravka on Friday night.
Cristiano Ronaldo avoids red card despite head-kicking GK Martin Dubravka
Cristiano Ronaldo is known for his bravery in front of goal. The 38-year-old doesn’t shy away from contesting for the ball and is always willing to take a risk to get the ball in the back of the net. During Portugal’s Euro qualifying match against Slovakia, Cristiano Ronaldo was involved in an incident involving former United teammate Martin Dubravka, and the five-time Ballon d’Or winner should have seen a red card for his horror tackle on the Newcastle goalkeeper.
In the second half of the game, Cristiano Ronaldo looked to get on the end of a cross from a teammate, but Martin Dubravka quickly came off the line to claim the ball. Nevertheless, Cristiano Ronaldo attempted to go for the ball, and his boot hit Dubravka on the head, causing significant discomfort for the former Manchester United loanee.
While Cristiano Ronaldo was booked for the incident, Slovakian players were disappointed that the Portuguese international only got a yellow card for the horror show. Calls have been made for FIFA to introduce rules that protect goalkeepers from overzealous players like Ronaldo, who always want to contest for the ball and risk injury to the opposition goalkeepers.
Soccer fans urge Cristiano Ronaldo to retire after horrible performance in Portugal vs. Slovakia
Portugal were expected to breeze past Slovakia, with Cristiano Ronaldo mooted to get on the scoresheet. However, it wasn’t as easy for them as they might have expected, as the Al-Nassr forward missed three big chances for his team. His missed chances resulted in frustration for the former Real Madrid forward, which might have prompted him to hurt Martin Dubravka unintentionally.
While Portugal went on to win the game 1-0, courtesy of Bruno Fernandes’ goal, fans quickly called out Cristiano Ronaldo for his poor display on social media. “Bro, give up now,” a fan said on Twitter. “Football ain’t for you anymore, Mr. Ronaldo. Only Saudi Arabia is your level,” the fan added.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo’s form improve in Portugal’s next game? Let us know your predictions in the comments.
