World Cup spot on the line for Portugal & ageing Ronaldo

At 37 years old, it’s no secret time is running out for Cristiano Ronaldo. Playing at a high level is not getting any easier, and the opportunities to compete in top tournaments are becoming scarce. Missing out on the World Cup, at his age, could mean he’s never playing in football’s showcase event again.

Portugal faces two must-win games in the European qualifying playoffs, beginning Thursday night when it hosts Turkey (Friday 1.15 am IST). The winner then plays next Tuesday (March 29) against the winner of European champion Italy vs North Macedonia (Friday 1.15 am IST) for a ticket to Qatar.

Although no one knows if Ronaldo would still play in the next World Cup at age 41, not qualifying for this one would be one of the biggest setbacks of his career. Ronaldo tried not to think past the task at hand, though. Totally focused on the 2022 World Cup, he said this week on Instagram.“As always, I’m proud to represent Portugal. We know it won’t be easy. We have the maximum respect for the opponents that we will face and they have the same goals as us. But together we will fight to put Portugal where it deserves to be. Let’s do it!”

Portugal was relegated to the playoffs after a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Serbia at home in the final Group A game in November when the hosts opened the scoring but conceded the deciding goal in the 90th minute. A draw would have been enough for Portugal, which is trying to qualify for the World Cup for the sixth straight time.

Only two consecutive victories will do now. To make it harder for Portugal, coach Fernando Santos has a depleted squad heading into the game against Turkey because of injuries, suspensions and the coronavirus. Failure in the playoffs could also mean the end of the road in the national team for the 39-yearold Pepe.