Portugal National Team coach Roberto Martinez remains uncertain and has yet to determine Cristiano Ronaldo’s role at Euro 2024.
The biggest football event in Europe, Euro 2024, is set to kick off this weekend in Germany. One of the most highlighted figures in this edition is the Portuguese megastar, Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite being 39 years old, Ronaldo has been called up to fulfill his duties with the Portugal National Team.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Role at EURO 2024 Undecided, Portugal National Team Coach Hesitates
Roberto Martinez has selected Ronaldo as the captain of the national team for the 2024 World Cup. As a European megastar, Ronaldo is expected to deliver his best performance.
However, the Al Nassr forward did not appear in Portugal’s last two friendly matches. He was not on the bench against Finland and did not play at all. In the match against Croatia, Ronaldo was seen sitting on the bench and was not played at all. This has fueled speculation about Ronaldo’s fate at Euro 2024. Some believe that the former Real Madrid superstar will only be a backup for the younger forwards.
This speculation grew stronger after Portugal National Team coach Roberto Martinez made a surprising statement. According to local Portuguese media O Jogo, Martinez is still uncertain about Ronaldo’s role at Euro 2024. Martinez acknowledges Ronaldo’s incredible experience as a forward, despite being 39 years old. “It is important for us to attack and defend with eleven players,” said Martinez. “Cristiano has immense experience. No other player has this kind of experience. He is a player who knows exactly how to utilize space in the penalty box and is a special finisher.”
Ronaldo’s excellence is evident from his performance with Al Nassr throughout the 2023-2024 season, scoring 44 goals and providing 13 assists in 45 appearances across various competitions. However, Martinez noted that club statistics might differ significantly from national team performances. He mentioned that Ronaldo’s condition would be evaluated before Euro 2024 begins.
“Cristiano took part in 51 matches this year, but I feel his club statistics don’t fully capture his impact on the national team,” Martinez commented. “He’s demonstrated his ability to play every four days, but we’ll assess his performance throughout the tournament,” stated Martinez.
In Euro 2024, the Portugal National Team will be in Group F alongside Turkey, Georgia, and the Czech Republic. Portugal’s first match will be against the Czech Republic at the Red Bull Arena Leipzig on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, or Wednesday at 02:00 WIB.
EURO 2024 – For One Reason, Cristiano Ronaldo Must Be Benched Until Portugal National Team Secures Group Stage Qualification
Football pundit Paul Merson suggests that coach Roberto Martinez should bench Cristiano Ronaldo until the Portugal National Team secures their spot in the knockout stage of Euro 2024. With Euro 2024 in Germany just around the corner, Portugal is one of the most anticipated teams. The Selecao das Quinas qualified for Euro 2024 with an impressive record, winning all 10 of their qualifying matches.
Veteran striker Cristiano Ronaldo has been called up again by coach Roberto Martinez. CR7’s extensive experience in international competitions is a significant reason for his inclusion. However, his selection has sparked controversy, with some arguing that the superstar does not deserve a spot in the squad, primarily because he currently plays in the Saudi Arabian League, which is considered lower in standard than most European leagues.
For this reason, Paul Merson advises Roberto Martinez not to rely on the former Real Madrid goal machine at Euro 2024. The Arsenal legend even suggests that Martinez bench Ronaldo for the first two group stage matches and only field him once Portugal secures knockout stage qualification.
“Cristiano Ronaldo remains a part of the team, even as he approaches the twilight of his career,” observed Merson. “He is still their captain and scores goals in Saudi Arabia, but I think they will see how he performs in camp and consider their options.”
“I would personally exclude him from the first two Euro matches and secure qualification before bringing him back for the final group game. If he performs well, he can keep his spot, and that is the right approach because it is a big leap for someone to enter the European Championship after playing at a lower standard in Saudi,” he added. Trik Menang Slot Online
Despite playing in the Saudi Arabian League, Ronaldo has shown sharpness with Al Nassr, scoring 44 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions this season.
EURO 2024 – Few Star Players, Italy National Team Should Not Dream of Retaining Title
Fenerbahce’s new coach, Jose Mourinho, downplays Italy’s chances of retaining their title at Euro 2024 due to the lack of star players. Italy arrives at Euro 2024 in Germany as the defending champions.
They emerged victorious in the previous European Championship, securing a win against England in the final at Wembley Stadium, London, on July 12, 2021. It took a hard-fought effort for Italy to overcome Gareth Southgate’s squad, with the match ending 1-1 in normal and extra time, leading to a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, England only scored two goals from five attempts, with Harry Kane and Harry Maguire executing well, while Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka failed. On the other hand, Italy scored three times in the shootout, with Domenico Berardi, Leonardo Bonucci, and Federico Bernardeschi netting the goals, while Andrea Belotti and Jorginho missed. Italy won 3-2 in the shootout and took home the Henri Delaunay Trophy.
However, Jose Mourinho is not confident that Italy can retain their title at Euro 2024. He believes Italy lacks enough star players in their squad. Additionally, coach Luciano Spalletti made controversial decisions in selecting Italy’s squad, leaving out notable names like Manuel Locatelli, Ciro Immobile, Marco Carnesecchi, Giacomo Bonaventura, and Matteo Politano, opting instead to rely on younger players in Germany.
Mourinho stated, “I think almost everyone shares my view.”
