IT IS tough to drop a player with 130 international goals and five Ballon d'Or trophies - even if he is just seven months shy of his 40th birthday.
But Roberto Martinez must now decide whether his threat to Cristiano Ronaldo was real or just a soundbite for the cameras.
Substitute Francisco Conceicao's emphatic close-range finish three minutes from time gave Portugal a win that their superiority deserved.
But, after insisting on the eve of the game that Ronaldo does not get into his team on reputation alone, Martinez might find his No.7 continues to be the main topic of conversation.
If a couple of journeymen Czech defenders can put the squeeze on your star forward, then it surely can't be long until his time is up.
Five years ago, Ronaldo would have left Leipzig with the match ball and the headlines.
In 2024, he was relieved that Robin Hranac's unfortunate 69th-minute own goal wiped out Lukas Provod's spectacular opener before Conceicao came on to win the game late on.
Denne historien er fra June 19, 2024-utgaven av Daily Express.
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Denne historien er fra June 19, 2024-utgaven av Daily Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
HOT TO THE TUCH
Thomas has so much talent at his disposal
Southgate showed me how to be smiles better
LAUGHS AND INSIDE JOKES BRING CUP TEAM TOGETHER
Buttler calling for the big two
ONE-DAY HOPES FOR STOKES AND ROOT
Aaron's determined to turn jeers into cheers
AARON WAINWRIGHT fully understands fed-up Wales fans have started voicing their grievances at the long and sorry plight of their side.
SKELTON HAS GREY-T EXPECTATIONS
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Billionaire family fight for £21m Idol's Eye gem
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Oakes brings fight for trees to No 10
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Non, je ne regrette rien composer dies aged 95
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Davina out of intensive care after brain surgery
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Owner admits killer XL bully was out of control
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