Wayne Rooney has criticised Portugal's approach during their FIFA World Cup exit, arguing that Cristiano Ronaldo's teammates failed to play to the veteran forward's strengths. Portugal were eliminated from the tournament after a dramatic 1-0 defeat to Spain, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring the decisive goal in the 91st minute to send the Spaniards into the quarter-finals.
Rooney, the former Manchester United and England captain, singled out Bruno Fernandes for not providing enough service to Ronaldo in dangerous areas. According to Rooney, Portugal's players were too focused on circulating possession instead of delivering crosses into the penalty area where the 41-year-old remains most effective.
"When you are playing with Cristiano Ronaldo, you must make use of him. The ball could have been delivered into the box by Bruno, but he chose not to do so.
"If you include him in the game, you need to utilize him; he remains a significant threat for Portugal during set pieces.
"Do not pass him the ball 30 yards from the goal, as that is no longer his strength. Get him the ball in the penalty area where he can still be effective," Rooney said, as quoted by Madrid Xtra on X.
Rooney maintained that although Ronaldo is no longer at his peak physically, he continues to pose a major threat inside the box when supplied with quality service.
Fernandes, meanwhile, endured a disappointing World Cup campaign, managing just one assist in five appearances as Portugal's hopes of lifting the trophy came to an end.
