Spain, Portugal assured of quarterfinal spots in UEFA Nations League
Spain ensured it has the chance to defend its UEFA Nations League title after booking a place in the quarterfinals thanks to a 2-1 win away to Denmark in Group 4 on Friday.
Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo finds his name in the 2019 Ballon d’Or shortlist. However, as of now, Ronaldo seems to be trailing behind long-time rival Lionel Messi and Dutch star Virgil van Dijk for the coveted award this year. In contrast to popular beliefs, former Chelsea and current Marseille boss Andre Villas-Boas has chosen Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi as his pick for the 2019 Ballon d’Or.
The Portuguese football coach chose his compatriot and then described both Messi and Ronaldo as ‘extraterrestrial’.
“It’s difficult… I am Portuguese so of course I support Ronaldo more,” the Marseille manager was quoted as saying by multiple sources including Fox Sports Asia.
Advertisement
“Cristiano took a risk by leaving the best team in the world, with more titles in the world. That kind of risk should be appreciated. Playing in Italy and scoring goals is difficult.
“Messi is still in his club, Barcelona, which is a big club. He is able to make a difference.
“But I am more for Cristiano because I’m Portuguese. Both of them are exceptional, it’s difficult to choose. It [Ballon d’Or] will become a competition between them.
“Having these two players in the same generation and watching them is absolutely incredible. They are extraterrestrials.”
However, there are certain reports from Spain which claim that Messi has already bagged the award and has even been informed about the same so that he could prepare for the formal announcement on 2 December.
It remains to be seen if those reports turn out to be true.
Advertisement
