New Delhi: Cristiano Ronaldo bled after a collision with goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik during Portugal’s Nations League clash against the Czech Republic on Saturday.
The Portugal star jumped to head a high ball but he was caught by the goalkeeper and suffered a nasty blow to the face. The Manchester United forward bled from his face and required a plaster across his nose.
Portugal coach Fernando Santos and his side were concerned about the 37-year-old’s condition after seeing him knocked down in the early stages of the game, but he was able to continue playing showing his hunger to play more for his team.
Cristiano Ronaldo has broken his nose after taking a shot from the goal keeper😳#NationsLeaguexESPN #Cristiano pic.twitter.com/deUWVx1yTN
— Buzzer Sports🚨 (@Bzrsports) September 24, 2022
Portugal got the best out of Bruno Fernandes in a 4-0 thrashing of the Czech Republic in the Nations League.
The Manchester United midfielder, who was benched at that tournament, scored a brace and assisted against the Czech Republic in an energetic performance that encapsulated his positive qualities. He’s worked his way back to being an easy first-choice selection.
Fernandes was allowed more freedom as Santos turned away from the three-man midfield he has leaned on for much of the past couple of years.
Ronaldo collided with the goalkeeper, leaving him with a nose injury 😬 pic.twitter.com/HT0IIixQJK
— Sportsville (@Sportsville_) September 26, 2022
Portugal deployed a double-pivot between Wolves’ Ruben Neves and Real Betis’ William Carvalho, which allowed Fernandes and Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva to push up the pitch more and the plan worked perfectly.
CR7 and Bruno both are a key part of Portugal’s hopes for the World Cup in Qatar later this year and Saturday’s Nations League clash is a key part of their preparations for the tournament.
Ronaldo and his fellow Portugal stars will take on Spain in their next Nations League clash on Tuesday.
