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Did Ronaldo’s early enforced substitution make a difference for the better to Portugal? Basil Sylvester Pinto elicits the views of some of the prominent sporting personalities in Goa
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Ronaldo’s presence on the field could have inspired Portugal to put up a better performance. His absence could have motivated others to take on the responsibility but his presence on the sidelines was definitely something to watch
- Savio Messias, Advisor to AIFF
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I do not think so. Actually all credit goes to the rest of the team that in spite of losing their captain so early into the match they did not let it affect them and still put up a good performance.
- Keenan Almeida, FC Goa defender
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Substitute (Quaresma) who came in his place made the difference. He proved that he had the capacity. I think the moment he came out from the bench, Quaresma entered the playing field with the belief he would give his best
- Norbert Gonsalves, Salgaocar FC head coach
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Ronaldo would have made a lot of difference but his exit played a role in motivating the team further and to fight harder. They began to put in more efforts and played as a team.
- Derrick Pereira, Former Coach of DSK Shivajians
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(Ronaldo injury) That was unfortunate. He should have been on the pitch. But Quaresma who came in his place performed really well. France was the better side, but Portugal had great character
- Mateus Costa, Gaffer, Sporting Clube De Goa
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Yes. I would certainly think so. Realizing their talisman was no longer on the pitch, each and every player rose to the occasion and it was almost as though they were playing for Ronaldo
- Rahul Rodrigues, MD & Co-founder, Zest Concepts
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If Ronaldo was on the field there would be more attention on him. After his exit, they went all out. Although he was not fully fit, other players would have fed him the ball for a header
- Jaju Fernandes, Executive Member, GFA
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