“Bruno is little, Cristiano is tall” - Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens argue over viral Cristiano Ronaldo assist to Bruno Fernandes
Pundits Gabriel Marcotti and Julien Laurens had a discussion over Cristiano Ronaldo's assist to Bruno Fernandes in Portugal's 3-0 win over Turkey in Euro 2024.
Marcotti expressed surprise that the Al-Nassr superstar made the unselfish pass, claiming that he had a great chance of scoring himself. Laurens, meanwhile, insisted that making the pass was the right decision, claiming that the Manchester United man couldn't miss with the goal open in front of him.
In a video posted by ESPN FC on YouTube, they spoke:
Marcotti: “It was funny, I was really surprised he did that. Not because he’s selfish, but because I’d back him to score from there. People are like, ‘oh no, he had to make the pass because Fernandes had a better chance at scoring.’”
“But they both had like a 90 per cent (chance of scoring).
Julien: “No, not Cristiano.”
Marcotti: “You think Cristiano standing there in front of the keeper (wouldn’t have scored)?” Don’t tell me what the xG are, this is Cristiano in front of the keeper, he scores.
Julien: “So you think that Cristiano in front of the keeper has more chance to score than Bruno Fernandes in front of an empty goal?”
Marcotti: “No, I’m just saying he has an enormous chance”
Julien: “Not as big as Bruno in front of an empty goal. Bruno can’t miss, Cristiano can miss”
Continuing the conversation about the 39-year-old in the second half of the match, they spoke:
Marcotti: “You’re obsessed with Cristiano’s shoes and whether they were actually Bruno Fernandes’ shoes.
Julien: "They are Bruno Fernandes’ boots.”
Marcotti: “Listen, I don’t know what their shoe sizes are. But Bruno is little, Cristiano is tall. I would assume Cristiano has large feet.
Julien: “There’s the name of Bruno Fernandes’ daughter on the boot. Cristiano doesn’t write the name of Bruno’s daughter on his boots.”
Rumours have been circulating that there's some tension between the pair following Cristiano Ronaldo's unceremonious exit from Manchester United in December 2022.
However, the 39-year-old superstar seemed to put an end to that with a selfless play in the second half of the win over Turkey.
Possible Round of 16 opponents for Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal
Portugal take on Georgia in their final group game on Wednesday (June 26). With two wins in two games, Roberto Martinez's side have already won their group.
The Group F toppers will face off against one of the best-third placed sides from Groups A, B or C. While their opponents are not confirmed yet, Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. will play on July 1 at the Deutsche Bank Park.
Hungary (three points) have secured third place in Group A, while Croatia (two points) bagged it in Group B. Group C remains interesting, with any of England (4), Denmark (2), Slovenia (2) and Serbia (1) mathematically likely to finish there. Slovenia are third at the moment ahead of their clash with group leaders England on Tuesday (June 25).