World Cup
Ange Postecoglou breaks after Cristiano Ronaldo’s furious actions
Ange Postecoglou breaks his silence after Cristiano Ronaldo’s furious actions in Al‑Nassr’s 3‑2 comeback win over Al‑Ettifaq. Ronaldo was taken off after 48 minutes, while Sadio Mane’s two goals in the final 17 minutes helped the Saudi Pro League leaders maintain a perfect start to the season.
Postecoglou defends substitution
Postecoglou said he believed the players coming on could make an impact. He added that he is proud every substitute contributed positively. He explained the decision was made to help the team.
Ronaldo was seen throwing his arms up in bemusement and angrily speaking to teammates and coaches. He then threw his captain’s armband on the floor and did not return to the pitch even as full‑time scenes were jubilant.
Al‑Nassr replaced Ronaldo with Abdullah Al‑Khaibari after the break. Later, Kingsley Coman and Samu were taken off for Sami Al‑Najei and Al‑Hamdan, and those changes helped secure the win.
Sadio Mane scored twice in the final 17 minutes, turning a 2‑0 deficit into a 3‑2 victory and preserving Al‑Nassr’s 100 percent start to the Saudi Pro League season.
Postecoglou previously managed in the Premier League, where his fearless style sometimes puzzled observers. He was dismissed after 39 days at Nottingham Forest, yet his approach appears to be paying off in the Middle East. He has worked at stadiums such as Anfield, Old Trafford and Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park.
Robin Mumford’s profile
The byline reads “REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed By  Robin Mumford PM GMT+1”.
Mumford writes for GiveMeSport, where he covers the Champions League and Premier League.
He joined the outlet in April 2024 after a stint at VAVEL as Deputy Editor-in-Chief.
While at VAVEL he produced a variety of content, from press‑conference pieces to match reports.
He also earned an award for his work as lead editor of the Women’s Football section.
His reporting has taken him across Europe to venues such as Anfield, Old Trafford and Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park.
Readers can sign in to their GiveMeSport account and Add Us, as the platform invites fans to contribute.
Here is a fact‑based summary of the story contents, providing a concise overview.