Is Portugal Out of Euro 2024?
Portugal’s journey in Euro 2024 ended in the quarter-finals against France, raising the question: Is Portugal Out Of Euro 2024? Yes, unfortunately, they are. Their elimination sparks debate about team strategy and Cristiano Ronaldo’s role in the tournament. Manager Roberto Martinez’s decision to play Ronaldo in every minute of every game, except for a brief period against Georgia, drew criticism. Some argue that this decision prioritized Ronaldo’s personal milestones over the team’s overall success.
Ronaldo’s performance in the tournament was statistically underwhelming. He took 23 shots without scoring, accumulating an expected goals (xG) of 3.51, the highest ever for a player without a goal in a major men’s tournament since 1980. While acknowledging Ronaldo’s past successes and prolific season in the Saudi Pro League, critics question whether Martinez overestimated the likelihood of Ronaldo breaking his scoring drought in a high-stakes knockout tournament.
Martinez constructed a tactical framework designed to leverage Ronaldo’s strengths and mitigate his weaknesses. Rafael Leão provided an outlet on the left wing, Bruno Fernandes operated as a secondary striker, and Bernardo Silva and João Cancelo delivered crosses from the right. Even set pieces seemed tailored to Ronaldo’s aerial prowess.
While this strategy proved effective in qualifying and even against France for periods, concerns arose regarding Ronaldo’s lack of mobility and its impact on the midfield. His missed chances, including a crucial one in extra time against France, highlighted his struggles.
A telling moment occurred when a younger, more agile Ronaldo likely would have converted a chance created by Francisco Conceição. The current Ronaldo sent the ball over the bar. Shortly after, he engaged in a pressing run against Dayot Upamecano, a stark contrast to his past ability to outmaneuver defenders. These instances underscored the decline in his physical capabilities.
Martinez’s persistence with Ronaldo contrasts with the approach of his predecessor, Fernando Santos, who benched Ronaldo during the knockout stages of the Qatar World Cup. Santos, having witnessed Ronaldo’s prime and shared victory in Euro 2016, felt comfortable making this bold decision. This begs the question: why couldn’t Martinez, an outsider with a fresh perspective, do the same?
Despite Portugal’s overall strong performance against France, Martinez’s focus on Ronaldo seemingly overshadowed the team’s needs. Did he lack faith in substitutes like Gonçalo Ramos or Diogo Jota? Was he attempting to provide Ronaldo with a chance for redemption after missed opportunities in previous matches? These questions linger after Portugal’s elimination.
Ultimately, Portugal’s exit wasn’t solely due to Ronaldo playing 120 minutes. Missed penalties and squandered chances contributed to their defeat. However, Martinez’s apparent fixation on Ronaldo’s legacy left a negative impression. Ronaldo’s legacy is already cemented. Perhaps, if Martinez had recognized this and treated Ronaldo like any other player, Portugal might have advanced to the semi-finals. The team’s final moments, with Ronaldo applauding fans and consoling teammates, offered a glimpse of what could have been a more balanced approach.