Ronaldo Did Not Play in Portugal's Win Over Norway - Coach Jorge

Portugal's coach Jorge Jesus has explained why Cristiano Ronaldo did not play in the 2-1 UEFA Nations League win against Norway in Oslo on Sunday.

Ronaldo, who is 41 years old, was on the bench but did not play at all. Gonçalo Ramos started the match and scored the winning goal.

Jesus said he had thought about bringing Ronaldo into the game. As reported by Fabrizio Romano on X on Monday, the coach said, “I was thinking of Cristiano to come in… but then the game dictates other things.”

The coach said his choice was based on tactics, not fitness issues. “I felt it wasn’t the right time to put him in the game. There are still two more games, but it wasn’t to protect him physically. He was ready,” Jesus explained.

He also mentioned that he had talked to Ronaldo before the match about bringing him on for the last half-hour. However, Ramos was doing well, having scored one goal and had another ruled out. The situation in the match needed different changes to keep the balance and secure the win.

Portugal made all five allowed substitutions during the game. They brought on players like Vitinha, Rafael Leão, Rúben Neves, Francisco Trincão, and Bernardo Silva, but Ronaldo did not come on.

Jesus hinted that Ronaldo could play in the next matches, saying he might start against Denmark.

With this victory, Portugal stays at the top of their Nations League group after winning two games in a row.