How Did Portugal Rise from the Ashes in 30 Months?

Cristiano Ronaldo's tears once again flowed on the field. He cried tears of joy after Ruben Neves' penalty secured Portugal's victory as the champion of the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League. This situation was in stark contrast to the tears he shed 30 months ago, when Ronaldo could not contain his feelings of devastation and disappointment after failing in the 2022 World Cup.

The 40-year-old man cried in front of the 17-year-old teenager, Lamine Yamal, who appeared composed after Spain lost in the penalty shootout. "I have won many titles at the club, but nothing compares to winning with Portugal. These are tears of immense happiness and a mission accomplished," said Ronaldo.

It is only natural that Ronaldo was very moved after the match. He was once again able to present a trophy for Portugal, even though he is already in his forties. The prospect of such success was nowhere to be seen two and a half years ago when Portugal was defeated by Morocco in the quarter-finals of the Qatar World Cup.

"CR7," as he is called, appeared too old to lead Portugal at that time. He was even benched by coach Fernando Santos in the two most important matches, namely in the round of 16 and the quarter-finals. After the World Cup, the option of retirement felt more realistic for him than having to burden the national team.

Coach Roberto Martinez was appointed to replace Santos in January 2023. He has the option to rebuild the squad following a total failure at the World Cup. There are many talented young players from Portugal who could serve as the foundation for a new era. However, the coach continues to place his trust in Ronaldo, who has migrated to the Saudi Arabian League.

In an interview with UEFA in June 2024, Martinez stated that the quality of players is not everything in squad selection. The human aspect behind each player is equally important. He will choose players who can have a positive influence both on and off the field. Ronaldo is one of those who meets this criterion.

The quality of the players coupled with other values helps you to become a champion.

Ronaldo is believed to be a leader and an inspiration for young players. "Having a player like Ronaldo to look up to will make us better in the next generation. That is what he brings. He is a winner who always demands perfection," said Martinez.

Martinez's trust is reflected in the starting lineup. Ronaldo has almost always been a starter during Martinez's era, including from the quarter-finals to the finals of the National League. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner repaid that trust by acting as a complete leader, setting aside all individual ego.

At the World Cup, Ronaldo appears more like a megastar than a team leader. He only wants to score goals but does not participate in the attacking and defending processes as a unit. It is not without reason that Santos benched him in the knockout stage, despite having a father-son-like relationship.

The resurgence of the character "CR7" was clearly evident in the final match against Spain. He became the true leader. Ronaldo was repeatedly brought down by Spanish defenders while retrieving the ball in midfield, yet he did not stop trying. He also ran throughout the match to lead Portugal's aggressive press when they lost possession of the ball.

As a result, Ronaldo could not continue the match after being treated in the 88th minute. He has given everything. His age cannot lie. "I felt (the injury) since warm-up, but for the national team, I am willing to break my leg. This is (a fight for) the title, I will play and give everything," he stated.

Ronaldo played a significant role in Portugal's journey to conquer the Nations League for the second time. The former Real Madrid player scored a total of eight goals in nine matches. One of those goals was scored in the final, leveling the score at 2-2. That goal kept Portugal's hopes alive.

If Ronaldo can pour all his abilities, become part of the team, and do so without drama, half of Portugal's problems are resolved. This is what distinguishes their journey in the World Cup and the Nations League. Martinez just needs to select ten other players who are very much ready to accompany the captain.

In addition to Ronaldo's resurgence, Portugal is also making headlines thanks to the emergence of new stars. They have players performing at the highest level, such as the Paris Saint-Germain trio, namely Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Nuno Mendes. The three of them have just led PSG to victory in the Champions League.

The trio was trusted to be starters in the final match. Mendes successfully became a differentiator for Portugal. The left-back effectively subdued the aggressiveness of Yamal, who is a strong candidate for this year's Ballon d'Or. Mendes also scored the first goal, was involved in the process of the second goal, and executed perfectly in the penalty shootout.

A distinguishing figure, such as Mendes, is greatly needed by Portugal. They have almost solely relied on the individual abilities of Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes over the past few years. The 22-year-old player was selected as the best player in the final according to UEFA.

"The quality of the players, combined with other values, helps you to become champions. We do not just have an ordinary team. We have 16-17 players who are at the same level. As a coach, I have more options and can change the playing concept with that advantage," said Martinez, who previously coached Belgium's golden generation.

The depth of the squad can be seen from the initial lineup in the final. Due to the congestion in the midfield, Neves, who is originally a midfielder, had to be deployed as a right wing-back. The midfield trio consisted of Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, and Vitinha. Furthermore, Martinez immediately replaced Neves after halftime due to the strategy's lack of success.

That depth is what has led to Portugal being likened to a diesel engine that takes time to warm up. They often fall behind in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals, yet they always manage to rally in the last 30 minutes. With options beyond the bench, Portugal never runs out of ways to win.

Several factors, ranging from Ronaldo, the new star, to the depth of the squad, have successfully revived Portugal from its downturn. The glory in the Nations League could serve as their initial capital heading into next year's World Cup. Ronaldo and his teammates have everything they need to excel at the highest level. (AP/REUTERS)