Study on Ronaldo – Norway “totally depends” on Haaland

The League of Nations
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Study on Ronaldo – Norway “totally depends” on Haaland

Portugal’s opening goal against Spain: Ricardo Horta celebrates after scoring.
Photo: Jose Breton/AP/dpa

Seville At the start of the new Nations League season, there is the big match: Spain and Portugal are tied 1-1. Superstar Ronaldo only comes off the bench – and this causes discussions.

In terms of sports, he hardly played a role this time, but nevertheless a lot revolved around Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal. Even the sports newspaper A Bola started its poll shortly after the 1-1 (0-1) draw against Spain.

The substance: whether it was right that the 37-year-old star initially only sat on the bench. Of course, replacing Ronaldo in the country of the 2016 European soccer champions caused discussions. The show was owned by others at the start of the new Nations League season.

For example, still largely unknown Ricardo Horta, who scored the so important equalizer for Portugal in the 82nd minute. Or the Spaniard Alvaro Morata who gave his country the lead in the 26th minute. But some Bundesliga professionals also shone on Thursday night.

Haaland:

who else? “Serbia pressed and had great chances. But Norway has Erling Braut Haaland,” the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten wrote about the attacking star. Thanks to his goal, the 21-year-old secured a 1-0 victory over Serbia. “We are completely dependent on him,” midfielder Stefan Strandberg later said.

Forsberg:

With his penalty kick, Emil Forsberg (39) put Sweden on the path to victory in Slovenia. Dejan Kulusevski (88) scored the final score late. According to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, Forsberg has converted 28 of his 31 penalties in his career. The attacking player from RB Leipzig does not know why he is so good on the point. “I don’t have a real explanation for that,” said the 30-year-old. “I’m really convinced that I can score goals.”

Ronaldo:

And Ronaldo? She only played a supporting role this time. The Manchester United striker was only substituted in Seville in the 62nd minute. He had little impact on the match after that. Later he wrote on Instagram an “important lottery” at the start of the competition. “The Nations League will always be associated with our national team because we were the first to win it.”