Cristiano Ronaldo has represented his country in six European Championships and four World Cup tournaments. Ronaldo holds the record for most international goals with 130 and is Portugal’s most-capped player with 212 appearances.
As the 39-year-old forward ended Euro 2024 without a goal, questions about his future in the national team have surfaced. Despite his iconic status, his recent performances have prompted debates on whether it’s time for Ronaldo to step aside and make way for younger talents.
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Portuguese fans had high hopes, betting on him to win the Golden Boot as he did for Al Nassr, but Euro 2024 told a different story, leaving many disappointed. Fans still hopeful for Portugal’s success in the upcoming Olympics can use the betrivers registration code to get a welcome bonus while placing their bets.
Euro 2024: A Disappointing Campaign
Given his legendary status, Ronaldo’s presence in the Portugal squad for Euro 2024 was expected. Yet, the tournament did not go as planned for the veteran striker. Starting all five of Portugal’s matches, he failed to find the back of the net, extending his goal drought in international tournaments to nine games. His most notable miss came in the quarter-final against France, where he squandered a golden chance in extra time, a moment that could have changed the course of the game.
Portugal’s exit from the tournament came after a gruelling penalty shoot-out loss to France. The team struggled to convert opportunities into goals throughout the competition, scoring no goals in their final three matches. Despite playing the second-most minutes for Portugal after goalkeeper Diogo Costa, Ronaldo contributed little to the scoreboard, ending with a solitary assist.
Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martinez, decided to keep Ronaldo on the pitch for the full 120 minutes against France. Other talents like Diogo Jota and Gonçalo Ramos remained on the bench, which has been a point of contention. Despite his declining impact, Martinez’s reluctance to substitute Ronaldo suggests a reliance on his reputation rather than his current form.
The Numbers Game
Portugal’s offensive struggles were glaring, particularly in their final three matches. A 2-0 defeat to Georgia, followed by goalless draws against Slovenia and France, underscored the team’s inefficiency in front of goal. Despite generating a respectable xG (expected goals) of 9.41 over their five games, Portugal only managed to score five goals from open play. Ronaldo’s tally remained at zero, starkly contrasting his prolific past.
Ronaldo’s selection over other capable forwards hints at a deeper issue within the team’s dynamics. His fewer touches than goalkeeper Costa in the quarter-final against France highlight his diminishing influence on the pitch.
Additionally, Portugal created more chances than France, as indicated by their xG of 1.84 compared to France’s 1.14, yet failed to capitalize, further exacerbating the frustration among fans and pundits.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Ronaldo’s contributions to Portugal’s footballing history are undeniable. With 130 international goals and 212 caps, he holds records for the most goals and appearances for his country. His tally of 14 goals in European Championship finals is unmatched, solidifying his status as one of the greatest ever to play. However, these historical achievements may no longer justify his automatic inclusion in the starting eleven.
Martinez’s loyalty to Ronaldo may have stemmed from these remarkable records, yet it also points to a reluctance to transition to the next generation. As Ronaldo missed crucial opportunities and younger, talented players watched from the sidelines, the need for a strategic shift became apparent.
Final Words
As Portugal looks ahead, the team must address the question of Ronaldo’s role. The reliance on a player nearing 40 years of age, despite his legendary status, is unsustainable for future success. Integrating younger forwards like Jota, Ramos, and Neto will be crucial in building a team capable of competing at the highest level.
Ronaldo’s legacy will always be revered, but the time has come for Portugal to embrace a new era. The transition may be challenging, given Ronaldo’s immense influence and popularity, but it is necessary to ensure the team’s competitiveness in upcoming tournaments.
