Portugal’s Difficult Road Ahead of Euros Showdown with France

In last two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo has been Portugal’s main man. In this tournament, the experienced forward is a long way from peak performance. This might be concerning before Friday’s Euro 2024 quarter-final showdown with France. Ronaldo must be in his last major international tournament. Ronaldo’s goal-scoring prowess has been the part of an incredible career. However, he has failed to score a single goal in Germany.

Coach Martinez Praises Ronaldo’s Leadership

Coach Roberto Martinez has started Ronaldo in all four of Portugal’s matches. He has set up a goal for Bruno Fernandes and done little else. Ronaldo even put Portugal’s chances of qualifying for the last eight in difficulty when he missed a penalty against Slovenia on Monday. The match finished goalless and went to a shootout. “It was a victory for unity, from the dressing room,” said Martinez. “Cristiano is our captain and he showed that in life and in football there are difficult moments and we can’t give up.” Further added, “We have to keep going and it was a demonstration of what to do when things aren’t going well.”

Ronaldo’s Emotional Journey in Euro 2024 Qualifiers

Ronaldo had burst into tears after failing to score in extra time. However, he was finally overcome with emotion and apologized to fans after netting in the shootout. “First it was sadness and then it was joy, that’s what football gives you, inexplicable moments, a bit of everything,” Ronaldo said. “I didn’t make a single mistake this year and when I needed something the most, Jan Oblak saved it.” Ronaldo and Portugal will have to perform much better than they did against Slovenia. Ronaldo has scored more European Championship goals than anyone else with 14. He is the tournament’s record appearance maker and is the only man to score in five straight Euros.” In addition, keep up with the most recent football news, and don’t miss any UEFA Euro 2024 updates or stories from Starpunternews.

Also Read: Spain’s Remarkable Comeback Against Georgia Secured Euro 2024 Quarter-Final Place