Cristiano Ronaldo watched Portugal’s entire 2-1 win over Norway from the bench, ending a remarkable streak that had lasted more than 18 years.
The 41-year-old was available and even warmed up late in the match, but Jorge Jesus decided not to bring him on. The last time Ronaldo failed to play a single minute in an official Portugal match despite being available was at Euro 2008 against Switzerland.
Jesus explained that he had originally planned to give Ronaldo around 30 minutes, but Gonçalo Ramos’ performance changed his plans after the striker scored Portugal’s second goal. He stressed that Ronaldo was fit and that the decision was purely tactical.
Portugal still secured a 2-1 win, with João Félix opening the scoring, Erling Haaland equalising and Ramos restoring Portugal’s lead just two minutes later. Ronaldo, meanwhile, must wait for another chance to continue his chase for 1,000 career goals.
18 years. One of the most unusual nights of Ronaldo’s international career.
