Portugal ‘completely the same’ with or without Cristiano Ronaldo as CR7 hooked for extra-time in crunch Nations League clash with Denmark

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo was handed the captain’s armband and a starting berth for a must-win contest in Lisbon. The evergreen 40-year-old surprisingly fluffed his lines from the penalty spot as he rolled a tame effort into the arms of Kasper Schmeichel.

Ronaldo has, however, never been one to dwell on disappointment and registered his 136th international goal as Portugal eventually forced extra-time against the Danes. CR7 was replaced by Goncalo Ramos as an epic contest ticked beyond the 90-minute mark.

That meant he was not on the field as goals from Trincao and Ramos wrapped up a 5-2 win on the night and a place in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals. Martinez was pleased to see his side prove that they can compete when their talismanic skipper is watching on from the bench.

Martinez told reporters when asked about his decision to withdraw Ronaldo with the final outcome in a nervy encounter yet to be determined: “I saw the team as completely the same. Cristiano played a good game, Goncalo played a good game. They are players with different characteristics and I didn't see much difference.”

Ronaldo, who is showing no sign of slowing down at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, will likely retain his starting berth – if fit – for a semi-final clash with Germany in Munich on June 4. He previously lifted the Nations League trophy back in 2019.