Portugal’s World Cup exit has prompted increased scrutiny of the team many have named the best in the country’s history, with Wayne Rooney and Ricardo Quaresma both questioning whether the midfield is good enough to get the best out of Cristiano Ronaldo in what could prove to be the 41-year-old’s last World Cup. Their criticism followed Portugal’s 1-0 Round of 16 loss to Spain, a result that ended Ronaldo’s international World Cup journey and shifted the focus to a midfield unit that included Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and João Neves that entered the tournament with high expectations but ended up with a disappointing contribution in attack.
Ronaldo bows out after Portugal’s early exit
Portugal come into the tournament widely regarded as genuine contenders, boasting a squad full of established stars and emerging talent. Much of the pre-tournament discussion centered on whether Ronaldo, now 41, could still improve with one of Europe’s most technical midfields providing him.However, Portugal’s campaign ended in the Round of 16 with a narrow defeat to Spain, bringing Ronaldo’s final World Cup appearance to an emotional end.Before the match, Ronaldo confirmed that the tournament will be his last.“Really, this is my last World Cup.“There is time to think about everything, to be with my family, and I prefer not to make decisions when I am hot. Life goes on.”After the defeat, the Portugal captain reflected on his international career.“I won three titles for Portugal. Before Cristiano, Portugal did not win a title in history. I won Euro 2016, which for me is like winning the World Cup.“I left with a clear conscience and gave my best for Portugal.”
Cristiano Ronaldo (7) of Portugal reacts during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Portugal and Spain in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
Although Ronaldo finally ended his long wait for a goal in the knockout stage of a World Cup in this tournament, the statistics behind the campaign in Portugal suggest that he has always operated with limited service.
Rooney questions Portugal’s approach
Speaking on the BBC’s World Cup coverage, former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney argued that Portugal had repeatedly failed to use Ronaldo’s biggest remaining strength, his movement and finishing inside the penalty area.“When you play Cristiano Ronaldo, you have to use him,” Rooney said.“The ball could have been put in the box here, from Bruno Fernandes. But they refused to put it.“If you’re going to play him, you have to use him!”“At set pieces, he’s still a big threat for Portugal. Don’t play him the ball 30 yards from the goal, that’s not his strength anymore. Take it to him in the penalty area where he’s still effective.”Rooney’s assessment builds on comments he made earlier in the tournament, when he compared Portugal’s relationship with Ronaldo to Argentina’s commitment to Lionel Messi.“You always put Ronaldo and Messi together because they are two of the best players the game has ever seen.“But the young Argentinians seem to be all there for Messi. They are all behind him. Messi is obviously exceptional in this World Cup.“I didn’t get that vibe from the Portuguese players.”Rooney also acknowledged that age has naturally changed Ronaldo’s game, with the veteran striker no longer possessing the movement that defined much of his career.
Quaresma gave a blunt assessment of Portugal’s midfield
Former Portugal winger Ricardo Quaresma offered a similar critical assessment after the defeat, questioning the team’s performances and the widespread belief that this team represented Portugal’s strongest generation.“Everyone says that this team is the best in the history of Portugal, but how?Quaresma reserved particular criticism for the midfield.“In the midfield, we have good players, many talents, but they are very weak in this World Cup. The attack is the same, and the defense is missing.“Roberto Martinez never inspired any confidence in me. We have to play this game with more joy. We came out of the tournament with the national team that everyone called the ‘best squad in history’.”Speaking directly to Portugal defender Rúben Dias in a podcast discussion, Quaresma also criticized the team’s conservative playing style.“I don’t agree with what you said. I think you should have given more, because you are at a very high level.“I felt you were playing backwards, to the side, not shooting the goal much… You talk about possession, but possession doesn’t win games.”
The statistics highlight the lack of creativity in Portugal
Criticism from Rooney and Quaresma was reinforced by Portugal’s tournament numbers.Despite boasting the immense talent of Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, and João Neves, Portugal’s star-studded midfield has largely failed to spark their attack during the World Cup. While Bruno Fernandes was able to register an assist and set up some openings, his teammates Vitinha and João Neves struggled greatly with their creativity, managing little threat throughout the campaign. This distinct lack of fluid service severely stifled Portugal’s offense, leaving them stagnant in the final third ahead of their final Round of 16 elimination in Spain.
Portugal’s Ruben Dias (3) checks Pedro Neto, bottom, during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Portugal and Spain in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Earlier in the competition, Thierry Henry questioned whether Ronaldo’s presence remained the best fit for Portugal’s attack. After the Round of 16 exit, however, the discussion broadened considerably.Rather than placing the onus solely on the veteran striker, Rooney and Quaresma both pointed to a disconnect between Portugal’s midfield and centre-forward. For a team built around technical control and possession, they argued, the failure to consistently supply one of football’s greatest finishers became one of the defining themes of Ronaldo’s last World Cup.