Portugal are puzzled over Cristiano Ronaldo and what version of the striker will line up against Turkey on Thursday: the CR7, reminiscent of his best days? Or the Cristiano whose time is coming to an end?
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Javier Caceres, Porto
Barely two weeks ago, Portugal took notice of a piece of news that was felt to be so significant that the political magazine Sabado negotiated on two glossy pages. Ronaldo’s goal vein is said to be pumping again after the striker scored all three goals in Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur. Also the weekly expresso breathed a sigh of relief after the hat-trick: “We still have Cristiano.” However, a bitter punchline followed: in the Champions League duel with Atlético Madrid three days later, United not only dropped out, Ronaldo also experienced an evening without a single shot on goal – and plunged Portugal into abysmal doubt. Just before the most important international match of the year.