Football News: Euro 2024, Champions League, FIFA World Cup, and More
The absence of Cristiano Ronaldo has become a presence in itself in the world of football. As the Euro 2024 and other major tournaments unfold, the cameras continue to seek him out, and the fans in their replica Manchester United tops scream a little louder and scowl a little harder. The less he does, the more important he becomes, as if the game itself is being drawn into a black hole, with his disappearance casting a heavy shadow over the proceedings.
The Sabotage of Portugal’s Squad
The sabotage is complete, as one of the most talented Portugal squads ever assembled disappears into that same black hole, becoming a Vegas-era Elvis act notable only for its ability to captivate and confuse. It’s a painful sight to behold, yet one that we can’t seem to turn away from. The second quarter-final match, suspended like a sentence that can never end, epitomizes the agonizing tension of the situation.
“The true sadness is that we never got to see the full potential of this Portugal squad, their talents overshadowed by the weight of their captain’s legacy.”
While Ronaldo sits on the bench, the likes of Gonçalo Ramos and Diogo Jota wait their turn, their talents untapped. The game itself is a masterful display of Football, with spellbindingly brilliant players on the pitch, each action and decision dancing on the cusp of instant disaster. The finishing may be poor, but the defending is gladiatorial, with players like Pepe and Rúben Dias putting in heroic performances.
The Contrast Between France and Portugal
The temptation is to draw parallels between the French side and their manager, Didier Deschamps, but such comparisons are unfair. Deschamps was a ruthlessly selfless player, and France’s success seems to be held together by that same collective spirit. In contrast, Portugal’s squad remains wedded to their captain, Ronaldo, the chain-wrapped anvil that will eventually bring them all down.
As the penalties arrive, the French team finally seems to free up, with Théo Hernandez scoring the winning spot-kick. Immediately, the heartbroken Portuguese players, led by João Félix, flock to console their teammate, a testament to the team spirit that was so sorely lacking in Ronaldo’s absence.
The haunting image of Ronaldo walking away, pursued only by the prurient gaze of the camera, serves as a stark reminder of the price paid for the dominance of one individual.
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