World Cup warm up: How far can Ronaldo take Portugal this summer?

Prior to this summer’s tournament in Russia, Cristiano Ronaldo had only scored three goals in 13 appearances at World Cup finals. The Real Madrid star equalled that tally in Portugal’s opening game of the 2018 World Cup, netting a stunning hat-trick in a 3-3 draw with Iberian rivals Spain.

Portugal were staring defeat straight in the face against Spain, trailing 3-2 with a couple of minutes of normal time remaining. The Euro 2016 winners were leading in the second half before conceding twice in as many minutes to hand Spain the initiative, only for Ronaldo to convert a stunning free-kick in the 88th minute.

Ronaldo is the man for the big occasions and the 33-year-old has certainly delivered the biggest moment of this summer’s World Cup so far. The veteran forward has taken an early lead in the race to win the Golden Boot and is the highest WhoScored rated player at the tournament (9.83).

Portugal would have taken a point before their match with Spain and will now look to secure qualification to the knockout stage in their last two group games against Morocco and Iran. Fernando Santos’ side have drawn their last four group matches at major tournaments and will hope to go one better than they did against Spain when they face Morocco on Wednesday.

Portugal have a great array of riches at their disposal but their team is completely geared towards getting the best out of Ronaldo. His game has evolved from a wide forward that will cut in from the left touchline and shoot with power and swerve into a complete forward that only needs isolated moments to make a telling contribution.

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In fact, in Ronaldo’s first year at Madrid (2009/10) he averaged 76 touches per league goal but finished last season requiring only 45 per goal. If Portugal’s creative players can find Ronaldo in the right areas, then securing a top-two finish in Group B should be straightforward from here on out.

Portugal’s opponents, Morocco, know anything less than a positive result will all but mean elimination from the World Cup after slipping to a shock 1-0 defeat to Iran last week. Morocco were tipped by many to be dark horses at the 2018 World Cup but have left themselves a mountain to climb in remaining games against Portugal and Spain.

As for Portugal, they are aware that as long as Ronaldo is fit and firing then they have a chance of following up their European triumph from two years ago with a successful campaign this summer.

Writer Predictions:

Martin Laurence - Portugal 1-0 Morocco

Ben McAleer - Portugal 3-1 Morocco

Josh Wright - Portugal 2-1 Morocco