Ronaldo Must Take a Backseat for Portugal to Win Against France

Cristiano Ronaldo’s self-indulgent display and Pepe’s bad performance in Portugal’s narrow victory over Slovenia have generated serious worries ahead of their important Euro 2024 quarter-final against France.

According to football expert Kevin Hatchard, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez must take a firm stance and limit Ronaldo’s influence if his squad hopes to progress.

“From the get-go, the 39-year-old Ronaldo was gurning, throwing his arms around and muttering to himself before launching yet more free-kicks over or wide,” Hatchard told reporters. “Having missed a penalty in normal time, he then did at least step up and convert in the shoot-out to help Portugal progress, but the overall performance was one of extraordinary self-indulgence and drama.”

Ronaldo’s Dominance Stifles Portugal’s Attack

Hatchard believes Ronaldo’s emphasis on being the focal point of Portugal’s assault limits the team’s flexibility and unpredictability. “He is dominating an attack that would be far less predictable if everything wasn’t channelled through him,” the specialist observed.

The veteran striker has a tournament-high 20 shots, eight of which have been on target, but has yet to score. According to Hatchard, Martinez could explore bringing Ronaldo off the bench rather than starting him, allowing Portugal’s younger, more dynamic attackers such as Diogo Jota, Joao Felix, and Goncalo Ramos to shine.

Pepe’s Struggles Against Slovenia: A Concern

Along with Ronaldo’s theatrics, Hatchard emphasised the poor performance of 41-year-old defender Pepe against the fast Slovenian forward Benjamin Sesko. “The prospect of him trying to keep up with Mbappé, Thuram et al is a scary one,” the medical professional advised.

With France’s attacking firepower, led by the in-form Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann, Pepe’s ability to limit the opposing strikers will be critical. Hatchard believes Martinez will have to make harsh decisions about his experienced players if Portugal wants to proceed.

France Seems More Cohesive Than Portugal

In contrast to Portugal’s fears, Hatchard believes France has a more balanced and cohesive team under Didier Deschamps. Despite not firing on all cylinders, the reigning world champions have only conceded one goal in the tournament thus far.

“France hasn’t fired yet, and there’s an argument to say Mbappé dominates a little, but they have been consistently creating chances in matches, and the performances of the indefatigable N’Golo Kanté in midfield have been a major plus,” Hatchard told ESPN.

With Mbappé, Griezmann, and the dependable William Saliba at the defence, France appears to have the tools to defeat Portugal’s veteran but potentially fractured squad.

The quarter-final match between Portugal and France promises to be exciting, with Hatchard claiming that Ronaldo may need to take a backseat for his team to have the best chance of progressing.

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