Now we need to focus on building depth and evaluating other players,” Martínez said. The decision affected not just Ronaldo but also Bernardo Silva, Pedro Neto, and Bruno Fernandes, who was suspended for the match. In their place, younger talents such as Fábio Silva and Quenda have been called up to the Under-21 squad to gain valuable experience.Despite questions about his longevity, Ronaldo continues to impress this season, tallying 15 goals for club and country. His recent brace against Poland underlined his enduring quality. However, with Portugal’s qualification secure and Croatia also advancing due to head-to-head records, resting Ronaldo and others made sense for Martínez.
On the Croatian side, captain Luka Modrić remains available and is expected to play. The match in Split offers Portugal a chance to test new faces and prepare for upcoming challenges while ensuring their veterans are well-rested for future engagements.Cristiano Ronaldo, the Al Nassr star, will be absent from Portugal’s Nations League match against Croatia at Stadion Poljud in Split. The decision came from coach Roberto Martínez, who chose to send Ronaldo and several senior players home early from the training camp to give younger squad members more opportunities.“In the first stage, we made six changes between games,” Martínez explained. “It’s important for us to secure first place, and we’ve achieved that. Now, we must maintain competitiveness and integrate new players into the team. The World Cup is only 18 months away.”Ronaldo wasn’t the only player released early. Bernardo Silva, Pedro Neto, and Bruno Fernandes (who is suspended) also left the camp. Martínez called up Fábio Silva and Quenda to join the Under-21 squad as part of the reshuffle.The decision to rest Ronaldo, despite his stellar form at age 39, reflects Portugal’s secure position at the top of their group. In his last match, Ronaldo scored twice in a win over Poland, bringing his season total to 15 goals for club and country. However, with Portugal already qualified as group leaders and Croatia also through, Martínez prioritized squad rotation and rest for senior players.Meanwhile, Croatian captain Luka Modrić remains with his squad and is expected to feature in the game.
On the Croatian side, captain Luka Modrić remains available and is expected to play. The match in Split offers Portugal a chance to test new faces and prepare for upcoming challenges while ensuring their veterans are well-rested for future engagements.Cristiano Ronaldo, the Al Nassr star, will be absent from Portugal’s Nations League match against Croatia at Stadion Poljud in Split. The decision came from coach Roberto Martínez, who chose to send Ronaldo and several senior players home early from the training camp to give younger squad members more opportunities.“In the first stage, we made six changes between games,” Martínez explained. “It’s important for us to secure first place, and we’ve achieved that. Now, we must maintain competitiveness and integrate new players into the team. The World Cup is only 18 months away.”Ronaldo wasn’t the only player released early. Bernardo Silva, Pedro Neto, and Bruno Fernandes (who is suspended) also left the camp. Martínez called up Fábio Silva and Quenda to join the Under-21 squad as part of the reshuffle.The decision to rest Ronaldo, despite his stellar form at age 39, reflects Portugal’s secure position at the top of their group. In his last match, Ronaldo scored twice in a win over Poland, bringing his season total to 15 goals for club and country. However, with Portugal already qualified as group leaders and Croatia also through, Martínez prioritized squad rotation and rest for senior players.Meanwhile, Croatian captain Luka Modrić remains with his squad and is expected to feature in the game.
