Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal teammates were forced to abandon training in Florida last night over security concerns, throwing their World Cup preparations into chaos just hours before their Group K opener against DR Congo.
The incident, reported on the eve of Wednesday’s match, saw Portugal’s scheduled practice session upended as security stepped in. No further details of the nature of the threat have been given, but the disruption comes as Portugal – heavily fancied at this summer’s tournament – begin their campaign with Ronaldo on what is expected to be his final World Cup.
“Portugal forced to abandon training in Florida over security concerns hours before World Cup opener against DR Congo.”
The chaos overshadowed an otherwise routine buildup, with manager Roberto Martinez having already denied rumours he plans to leave his role after the tournament. England were also dealt a blow earlier this week as defender Tino Livramento withdrew from Thomas Tuchel’s squad with a calf injury, replaced by Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah.
Elsewhere across the tournament, France opened with a 3-1 win over Senegal, Norway beat Iraq 4-1 thanks to an Erling Haaland brace, and reigning champions Argentina defeated Algeria as Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick – his first goal leaving him visibly emotional, later explaining the tears. England fans were already chanting in downtown streets ahead of their own grudge match against Croatia later today.
But it is Portugal’s security scare that has set the tone for Wednesday’s action, with the team now forced to refocus quickly as they prepare to face DR Congo in Orlando.