World Cup 2026: 'Your Ego Is Holding Portugal Hostage' - Zlatan Ibrahimovic Slams Ronaldo
Ibrahimovic said Portugal cannot win with Ronaldo leading the attack after the 41-year-old scored in a 2-1 World Cup win over Croatia.
- Portugal reached the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on Thursday after defeating Croatia 2-1, with Goncalo Ramos heading the winning goal in stoppage time following a disallowed Croatian equalizer verified by VAR.
- Cristiano Ronaldo buried a 68th-minute penalty to cancel out Ivan Perisic's 53rd-minute opener, keeping Portugal alive before paying tribute to late teammate Diogo Jota by wearing his number 21 shirt post-match.
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic criticized Portugal's decision to start the 41-year-old Ronaldo, telling Fox Sports it is "nostalgia-driven madness" and that Ronaldo's "ego is holding the team hostage" while Goncalo Ramos should lead the attack.
- Portugal will face European champions Spain on Monday in Dallas after Spain secured their spot with a 3-0 victory over Austria in Los Angeles, where Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice.
- Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised his team's performance against Austria, stating, "We played a magnificent match," and believes Spain can improve "in every area" as the tournament enters its critical phase.
12 Articles
12 Articles
World Cup 2026: 'Your ego is holding Portugal hostage' - Zlatan Ibrahimovic slams Ronaldo
Former Sweden striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, has hit out at Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo amid the ongoing FIFA World Cup. The former Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain star claimed that Ronaldo’s ego is holding Roberto Martinez’s side hostage. According to Ibrahimovic, Ronaldo’s role in Portugal’s starting lineup isn’t legendary leadership, adding that the 41-year-old has lost […] World Cup 2026: ‘Your ego is holding Portugal hostage’…
Zlatan Ibrahimovic tears into Cristiano Ronaldo with brutal Portugal World Cup verdict
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has questioned Portugal's hopes of winning the World Cup, insisting Cristiano Ronaldo should no longer be leading the line despite the country's progress to the round of 16.The former Sweden striker delivered a scathing assessment of his long-time contemporary, arguing Portugal are relying too heavily on a player he believes is no longer capable of carrying the attack at 41 years of age.Ronaldo has helped Portugal reach the la…
FIFA World Cup 2026: Ibrahimovic Questions Ronaldo's Role as Portugal Reach WC Round of 16
Get latest articles and stories on Sports at LatestLY. Legendary footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic argued that Portugal should not expect to succeed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup while relying on 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo as their starting striker. Sports News | FIFA World Cup 2026: Ibrahimovic Questions Ronaldo's Role as Portugal Reach WC Round of 16.
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