FOOTBALL fans are convinced that Portugal are a better team without Cristiano Ronaldo after their demolition of Armenia on Sunday.
Portugal were without Ronaldo after he received a red card for elbowing Ireland defender Dara O’Shea on Thursday.
He sarcastically clapped the home fans at the Aviva Stadium and even had a confrontation with Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson on his way off the field.
The legendary forward, 40, is also at risk of missing further games due to the violent nature of his red, which would see him absent for the opening of the 2026 World Cup.
But as Roberto Martinez’s Portugal stormed to a 9-1 victory without their captain, some have been left asking if his unavailability could be a blessing in disguise.
One fan said on X: “Portugal without Ronaldo are a much better team…”
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While another agreed, adding: “Ronaldo fans hate the truth, but Portugal are a better team without him.”
Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick in the match, including two penalties.
One fan saw the performance as enough to crown the Manchester United midfielder the new star of the show in Portugal.
They said: “Safe to say this not Ronaldo’s Portugal team. This is Bruno Fernandes’ team.”
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While a fourth fan agreed that CR7 is not the hero he once was for his nation, adding: “Ronaldo might just be the one holding the team back.”
Fernandes was joined on the scoresheet by PSG starlet Joao Neves, who also bagged a hat-trick including a stunning free kick, a set-piece that Ronaldo likely would have taken had he been on the pitch.
Former Chelsea star Renato Veiga, PSG striker Goncalo Ramos and Juventus wide man Francisco Conceicao were also among the goals.
The Al-Nassr forward was not at the Estadio da Dragao in Porto to see his country secure the thumping win that guaranteed a place in next summer’s tournament.
But Ronaldo, who posted messages of encouragement on Instagram before the game, is now set to play in a record-breaking SIXTH World Cup at the age of 41, even if that first appearance is delayed at the hands of a further suspension.
