The duo have been at the pinnacle of the world stage for over a decade with many calling for the trend to be ended in recent times, with Modric winning the recent FIFA Men’s Best Award earlier in September this year.

Many however believe an abysmal World Cup for both players is the reason for this drop from the top three for the Ballon Do’r.

According to French radio journalist Eric Mamruth, neither Ronaldo nor Messi is in contention to win sixth title as they are not in the top three spots for the contention.

Argentina’s Demise Has Been A Long Time Coming And Messi Isn’t To Blame

Paris Saint Germain forward Kylain Mbappe and Raphael Varane in the second and third positions respectively.

Although, the vote counting process is not concluded, the current results are said to be astonishing with the both Messi and Ronaldo missing in action.

Meanwhile, legends like Thierry Henry have voiced their opinions saying a Frenchman deserves to win the award after winning their second World Cup in Russia earlier this year.

Ronaldo & Messi Collapse On World Stage But Still Remain The Greatest Players In History

“I think it would be a shame if a French player does not win the Ballon d’Or, apart from Eden Hazard because he was extraordinary at every Wold Cup match – defensively and on the counter-attack,” Henry said.

Cristiano Ronaldo – A Real Football Behemoth



So who do you think will win the Ballon do’r this year? Your guess is as good as mine but one thing is for sure, We are going to have a new winner for the first time in 10 years.

The post End Of An Era:Messi & Ronaldo Out Of Race To Win Ballon D’or, Early voting shows. first appeared on Sahara Football.

Morocco made a great start and threatened inside the opening couple of minutes when Noureddine Amrabat crossed and Hakim Ziyech set up Khalid Boutaib, whose header cleared the bar.

But any hope the had was shattered when, after four minutes, Ronaldo scored his fourth goal in two games when Joao Moutinho crossed and Ronaldo, all alone, headed high into the net.

Ten minutes from the break, Karim El Ahmadi shot over after neat approach play, with Portugal having offered little threat since Ronaldo’s early breakthrough.

But out of the blue they almost had a 2-0 lead, Ronaldo the provider with a lofted pass for Goncalo Guedes, whose shot was well saved by Munir.

Morocco had one more chance to level before the break when a cross was flicked on but just eluded Benatia at the far post.

But Portugal threatened in the opening moments of the second half, a short corner providing half a chance for Jose Fonte, who was unable to get his header on target.

For most of the game however Morocco dominated but failed to make it count as they did in their first game against Iran.

Portugal held on for the win in the end, sending Morocco home after only 6 days in Russia. Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo move and will be most likely competing with Spain for top spot. The Spanish play Iran later in the evening in their second group game.



 

The post Morocco Become First Nation To Crush Out of World Cup After Defeat To Portugal first appeared on Sahara Football.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hattrick against former world champions Spain in what was an enthralling encounter on the world cup group stage. The game had everything. It was entertaining and exciting from start to finish but the night belonged to one man and that was Cristiano.

The Real Madrid forward who has been compared on many occasions to his Argentine rival Messi, tonight made sure that argument would go on even further after a masterclass in his opening game.

Personally I am not a fan of such arguments, choosing rather to enjoy and savour such amazing talents on display. But on Friday night I found myself jumping and shouting to the briliance of Cristiano Ronaldo.



He wasn’t the best player on the pitch mind you, but he did what he can do best and that is score score score. On three occasions. The argument will still reign on into the deep Russian night but there is no doubt that we just witnessed something special from a player who keeps on cementing his place as a true behemoth of the modern game of football.

The post Cristiano Ronaldo – A Real Football Behemoth first appeared on Sahara Football.