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The Ronaldo Enigma: What Really Happened During FIFA 2022?

Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance and role during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar were a tumultuous blend of on-field struggles, tactical disagreements, and personal disappointments, ultimately marking a low point in his international career. He faced benchings, public criticism from the coach, a noticeable decline in form, and ultimately, the heartbreaking elimination of Portugal in the quarter-finals against Morocco. This combination of factors led to visible frustration and tears, painting a stark contrast to the legendary status Ronaldo had cultivated over his career. His diminished role and Portugal’s failure to secure the trophy resulted in a significant dent to his legacy on the world stage.

The Benched Captain: A Tactical Earthquake

The South Korea Fallout

The seeds of discontent were sown during Portugal’s final group stage match against South Korea. Ronaldo’s reaction to being substituted in the second half clearly displeased coach Fernando Santos. While the exact words exchanged remain a subject of speculation, reports suggested a heated exchange where Ronaldo allegedly challenged Santos’ decision with vulgar language. Santos publicly acknowledged his displeasure with Ronaldo’s behavior, stating, “I didn’t like it. Not at all.”

The Swiss Shock

The fallout from the South Korea incident resulted in the unthinkable: Ronaldo was benched for Portugal’s Round of 16 clash against Switzerland. This decision sent shockwaves through the footballing world. Santos justified the move as a tactical one, but the timing and circumstances suggested it was also a disciplinary measure. Goncalo Ramos, Ronaldo’s replacement, scored a hat-trick in a dominant 6-1 victory, further fueling the debate about Ronaldo’s diminishing influence.

Quarter-Final Heartbreak

Despite coming on as a substitute in the quarter-final against Morocco, Ronaldo was unable to inspire Portugal to victory. The team fell to a 1-0 defeat, ending their World Cup dreams. Ronaldo was visibly distraught at the final whistle, leaving the pitch in tears, a poignant image that captured the weight of the loss and the apparent end of an era.

Beyond the Pitch: Diminishing Form and Legacy Questions

FIFA 22 Downgrade and The End of an Era

Even within the virtual world of FIFA 22, Ronaldo’s decline was reflected in a noticeable downgrade to his in-game attributes. His finishing and long-shot accuracy were reduced, and he was stripped of his “Acrobat” trait, mirroring his reduced impact on the real-world pitch. This marked a symbolic shift in his perceived status, both in the virtual and physical realms of football. This is a good use case for research into game mechanics and realism, for which you could visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.

Post-World Cup: Saudi Arabia and a New Chapter

Following his departure from Manchester United after a controversial interview, Ronaldo joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. This move signaled a new chapter in his career, moving away from the European spotlight and into a less competitive league. While still capable of moments of brilliance, his time at the top of the game was clearly nearing its end.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why was Ronaldo benched against Switzerland in the World Cup? Fernando Santos, the Portugal coach, cited tactical reasons for benching Ronaldo. However, it was widely believed that Ronaldo’s negative reaction to being substituted in the previous match against South Korea contributed to the decision.
Did Ronaldo threaten to leave the World Cup after being benched? Despite reports of Ronaldo being unhappy with the decision, Santos clarified that Ronaldo never threatened to leave the World Cup.
What did Fernando Santos say about Ronaldo’s behavior during the South Korea game? Santos publicly criticized Ronaldo’s reaction to being substituted, stating he “didn’t like it” at all.
Why did Ronaldo cry after Portugal’s elimination? Ronaldo was reduced to tears due to the heartbreak of Portugal’s elimination and the likely end of his dream to win a World Cup for his country.
Was Ronaldo the only reason Portugal lost the World Cup? No, Portugal’s loss was a result of various factors, including tactical choices, a lack of attacking firepower in key moments, and a strong performance from Morocco.
What happened to Ronaldo in FIFA 22? Ronaldo received a downgrade in FIFA 22 due to his declining real-world performance. His finishing and long shots were reduced, and he lost his “Acrobat” trait.
Why was Juventus removed from FIFA 22? Juventus was not in FIFA 22 due to Konami’s eFootball holding exclusive rights to the club’s name, logo, and stadium.
What was the controversy surrounding Ronaldo’s departure from Manchester United? Ronaldo left Manchester United after a controversial interview where he criticized the club, the manager Erik ten Hag, and his teammates.
What happened to Ronaldo after the World Cup? After the World Cup, Ronaldo joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr on a lucrative contract.
Why did Portugal’s attack misfire at the World Cup? Despite having talented attacking players, Portugal struggled to convert chances and break down well-organized defenses, particularly in the knockout stages.
What did Figo say about Ronaldo being benched? Figo criticized Santos’ decision to bench Ronaldo, suggesting that Portugal could not win the World Cup without him.
Was Ronaldo fined or banned by the FA for his behavior? Before the World Cup, Ronaldo was fined and banned for two matches by the FA for smashing a fan’s phone after a Premier League match.
What are the allegations surrounding Ronaldo’s past conduct? Ronaldo has faced allegations of sexual assault, which he has always strongly denied.
Is Portugal a welcoming country for foreigners? Yes, Portugal is known as one of the most welcoming countries in the world for foreigners, including Americans.
What ultimately went wrong for Portugal in the World Cup? Portugal’s attack misfired at the wrong time and the team lacked the ruthlessness to convert possession into goals.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s FIFA 2022 journey was a stark reminder that even the greatest players are not immune to the passage of time and the challenges of maintaining peak performance. While his individual brilliance may have dimmed, his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time remains secure.

What happened to Ronaldo during FIFA?