The 2022 FIFA World Cup is finally here. Oddschecker, which compares World Cup odds and offers, has earmarked Brazil as the favourites to lift the famous gold trophy this winter, and it’s clear to see why. With a front three of Vinicius Jr, Gabriel Jesus, and Neymar, the Selecao will be causing problems for defenders the world over. But while the eyes and ears of the world should be on Qatar for football’s grandest spectacle, instead, they’re on one man.
Cristiano Ronaldo has well and truly stolen the spotlight recently as only he can. His explosive 90-minute interview with the controversial Piers Morgan is all that has been on people’s lips. The Portuguese superstar went after everyone in the interview, including his club, his manager, and his former teammates. And it looks as though the great CR7 has finally crossed the line.
Manchester United have since removed his picture from outside of Old Trafford and his club teammate Bruno Fernandes shared a less than friendly-looking greeting with his international captain when the Portugal squad met up in the Arabian Gulf State.
Backed into a corner
The former Real Madrid superstar isn’t an idiot, despite what fans and pundits may think of the fiery interview. He is most certainly a smart man who knows exactly what he is doing. He has backed Erik Ten Hag and United into a corner, where all they can do is let Ronaldo leave the Theatre of Dreams.
But in turn, the great man has also backed himself into a corner. It’s no secret that football’s leading all-time goalscorer hasn’t been in the best of form this term. He has managed just one league goal and has lost his spot in the club’s starting eleven to England striker Marcus Rashford.
There’s no doubt that the 37-year-old was already under pressure to perform at the World Cup and justify his position in the starting eleven and as captain. But in agreeing to this interview, he has piled even more pressure onto those broad shoulders. If this was a prime Cristiano we were talking about, we’d have no doubt that he would deliver on the grandest stage, and then some. But at 37, does he still have what it takes?
We know better than to bet against the great Cristiano Ronaldo. But one thing is for certain – the iconic striker has ensured that whenever he steps out onto the pitch, all eyes will be on him.
