Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘last’ World Cup at risk as Portugal refuse to sack Fernando Santos
Euro 2020 briefing: Title holders Portugal knocked out of Euro 2020
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Portugal have decided not to sack Fernando Santos ahead of the do-or-die World Cup play-offs – despite the manager admitting responsibility for the team’s almighty collapse. With two matches to play, Portugal appeared to have top spot in their group in the bag before taking just a single point from matches with the Republic of Ireland and Serbia to drop to second.
Santos decided to heavily rotate his side in Dublin for the group decider vs Serbia – although there should have been enough quality to get the job done – and it cost Portugal dearly.
The likes of Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias and Diogo Jota all sat out of the starting XI but the team, which did include Cristiano Ronaldo, could only manage a draw.
That added even more pressure to the group decider against Serbia in Lisbon on Sunday night, meaning Portugal had to avoid defeat to clinch top spot.
With the scores level in the second half, Serbia began to seriously test Portugal’s nerve and resolve.
READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo breaks down as Portugal blow World Cup qualification in last minute
Then, in the dying embers, Fulham striker Aleksandr Mitrovic popped up at the back stick to head home and send Serbia to Qatar.
Manchester United forward Ronaldo, who endured an underwhelming night on a personal level, was pictured shouting and hollering at his team-mates in disgust as their bottle went.
But according to the Portuguese press, Santos will not be sacked with the team willing to persist with the manager for the play-offs.
The development will frustrate a large number of the country’s supporters, who are desperate to see the back of Santos.
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Calls for his head only intensified when the 67-year-old conceded that he was solely to blame for his side’s failure to qualify as group winners.
“We all know that we didn’t do everything we should have. But we’re going to be in Qatar,” he said.
“The players know that we always play to win, thinking offensively and not so much defensively.
“It doesn’t always come out as I wanted or as the players wanted. The responsibility is mine.”
While Santos guided Portugal to Euro 2016 and Nations League glory, he is struggling to get the best from one of the best squads in international football.
Defending champions Portugal were dumped out of the Euros by Belgium in the Round of 16 this summer, only increasing the pressure on Santos’ shoulders.
Now Ronaldo’s chances of playing at his last ever World Cup are now at serious risk.
Speaking back in 2016, Ronaldo confirmed he expected Qatar 2022 to be his last World Cup having already featured at four tournaments.
“I expect Qatar could be my final World Cup,” Ronaldo said.
“I often go on holidays there, to Qatar as well as Dubai. I am happy because for sure it will be my last international tournament.”
While there is nobody better for the big occasion, Portugal are now feeling the pressure after blowing such a strong position.
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