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Sochi, Russia (AP) At 33, Cristiano Ronaldo must surely be close to the end with the Portuguese national team.
He does not say, however: "Now it's not the time to talk about the future" Ronaldo said after Portugal's 2-1 defeat against Uruguay at the World Cup. "I'm sure that the national team will remain among the best in the world.We have great players, a fantastic group, with young players, with great ambition to win and that's why I'm confident and happy because I know that the national team will always give the best of itself. "
Portugal wins its first big trophy two years ago at the European Championship. This race ended in the Round of 16 World Cup, Ronaldo having failed to score for his country in the round of 16 of the tournament.
Ronaldo will be 35 years old at the next European Championship and 37 at the next World Cup "
" The national team will continue to win, "he said after Saturday's match .
Ronaldo had an excellent start to the tournament in Russia, scoring four goals in two games, but was cleared in the next round. Portugal lost first place in their group and was eventually eliminated by Uruguay.
At his fourth World Cup, Ronaldo could not hide his frustration late in the game in Sochi, complaining furiously of the referee after a no-appeal. for a foul that could have given Portugal one last chance to equalize.
He was much calmer after the game, politely shaking the referee 's hand and smiling as he pbaded the reporters without taking any questions
Football. Whoever scores more goals wins, "said Ronaldo." That's why Uruguay must be congratulated. "
Portugal coach Fernando Santos was expecting that Ronaldo continues to contribute to the national team. "Cristiano still has a lot to give to football," said Santos. "We already have a new competition in September (UEFA Nations League) and we obviously want Cristiano to be with us . He can help young players with his knowledge. We have a team with a lot of young players, so it's important that our captain stays with us. "
Portugal has not reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup since 2006, when a young Ronaldo led the team to the semi-finals and
For the tournament in Russia, Santos brought 13 players from the Euro 2016 team, including nine of the players who started in the final against France.
Portugal averaged 27 years in Russia, with nine players over 30, including starters Bernardo Silva and Andre Silva, Goncalo Guedes and Gelson Martins, all under the age of 23, are among the young prospects in Portugal, and the youngest players in the squad have been Guedes. and defender Ruben Dias, both at age 21.
With or without Ronaldo, Portugal will return to the field on September 10, when he will make his League of Nations against Italy
– [19659002] ] More coverage of the AP World Cup: www.apnews.com/tag/WorldCup
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Tales Azzoni on Twitter: http://twitter.com/tazzoni
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