When Portugal play Croatia on Thursday, Cristiano Ronaldo will attempt to do something he's never managed before: score a goal in the knockout stage of the World Cup. The Portuguese is one of the finest forwards the game has ever seen and, against Uzbekistan last week, became the first man to score in six different editions of the game's most prestigious tournament, which is testament to his remarkable longevity and work ethic.

Former striker Chris Sutton has strongly criticised Portugal manager Roberto Martinez ahead of their World Cup knockout match against Croatia, describing his continued reliance on Cristiano Ronaldo as completely embarrassing. Sutton believes Martinez is holding his talented squad back by pandering to Ronaldo and refusing to substitute him despite his declining impact on the pitch.

England icon John Barnes has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo's attitude could derail Portugal in the World Cup knockout stages, describing the situation as an accident waiting to happen. In contrast, Barnes praised Lionel Messi, highlighting how the Argentina captain's humble nature unites his team-mates, unlike Ronaldo who creates tension when things do not go his way.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo led an emotional training ground tribute to assistant coach Ricardo Carvalho following the sudden passing of his father, Manuel Ribeiro de Carvalho. The tight-knit Seleccao squad formed a poignant huddle at their Florida base to support the former Chelsea defender before his departure from their World Cup camp.

Don’t miss your chance of seeing Portugal in World Cup action, where they’ll be playing and who they’ll be playing against

The Golden Boot may not always lead to team success, but the race for the individual award this summer might be one of the most compelling in recent memory