Cristiano Ronaldo Struggles as Portugal Bow Out of Euro 2024
Heading into Euro 2024, veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo was expected to make a significant impact for Portugal. With his record-breaking sixth Euros appearance and his recent prolific goal-scoring form for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, many anticipated the football legend to shine on the big stage once more.
However, Ronaldo’s performance in Portugal’s quarter-final clash against France was far from the heroics fans had grown accustomed to. The 39-year-old was largely anonymous throughout the match, managing just 26 touches – the fewest of any player on the pitch bar France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Ronaldo’s struggles were evident as he failed to make an impact, losing possession on six occasions and being unable to find dangerous positions inside the box. His lack of aerial presence was also noticeable, as he contested just a single aerial duel, albeit winning it.
“The Portugal captain’s woes continued from the earlier stages of the tournament, where he had racked up an astonishing 19 shots without success, including a missed penalty against Slovenia.”
Despite his impressive expected goals tally, Ronaldo struggled to get any clear-cut chances against France, managing just two efforts on goal.
As the match went to extra time, Ronaldo’s performance took an even more concerning turn, with the veteran forward resorting to wandering into offside positions in a desperate attempt to find space. His last-gasp effort to burst past Dayot Upamecano and get a shot on target proved futile, summing up a forgettable display.
Ultimately, Ronaldo’s penalty in the shootout was the only contribution he made, as Portugal crashed out of Euro 2024 following Joao Felix’s missed spot-kick. The early exit could mark the end of an illustrious international career for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, whose legacy at the Euros may be tarnished by this disappointing swan song.
As the focus shifts to the future, Portugal will need to carefully consider their plans without their talismanic forward, who has been the face of the national team for nearly two decades. The search for a new generation of heroes begins, as the Selecao look to bounce back from this premature exit at the next major international tournament.
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