"He is having a negative impact on the team" - Chris Sutton predicts Portugal vs France Euro 2024 QF, goes on passionate Cristiano Ronaldo rantÂ
BBC Sport columnist Chris Sutton believes Cristiano Ronaldo has been selfish for Portugal at Euro 2024, questioning Roberto Martinez's decision to include the former in the starting XI. He also predicted France to defeat A Selecao 2-0 in their upcoming quarter-final clash at the Volksparkstadion on Friday, July 5.
Portugal finished at the top of Group F with six points from three games but were fortunate to come away with a win in their Round-of-16 fixture against Slovenia. Cristiano Ronaldo's poor run of form at Euro 2024 continued as he failed to score in his fourth game running, even missing a penalty in extra time.
Fortunately, Ronaldo and Co. were able to win the penalty shootout 3-0 to book their spot in the final eight. Their opponents, France, have failed to play at their full potential as well, and are yet to score a goal from open play at Euro 2024.
France defeated Belgium 1-0 in the Round of 16 thanks to Jan Vertonghen's own goal. They will be the statistical favorites to progress to the semi-finals, as they have lost just one of their last 14 games against Portugal, winning 11, and drawing two.
Sutton expects this dominant run to continue as he wrote (via BBC Sport):
"I really don't understand why Portugal manager Roberto Martinez indulges Cristiano Ronaldo the way he does. We know what a great player Ronaldo has been in the past, and he can still influence games, but you have got to draw the line when it is clear he is having a negative impact on the team.
"Why, for example, is Ronaldo taking free-kick after free-kick when there are much better options? It's selfish from him, and he has a massive ego, but why is Martinez allowing it to happen? The bigger fault lies with him, and he should be strong enough to do what is best for the team."
He added:
"I may end up with a large dollop of egg on my face if Portugal win the tournament and Ronaldo bangs in a couple of 35-yard free-kicks on the way, but I don't see it happening.
"In 300 years people will probably still be talking about what a genius Ronaldo was, but he is 39 and I don't know what Martinez is expecting from him. Football has always been a team game and it feels absolutely ridiculous to rely on him like this when you look at how much quality Portugal have right through their side."
He continued:
"I picked France to win Euro 2024 before a ball was kicked and I am not going to change my mind now. They were not exactly exciting against Belgium in the last 16, but there were signs that they are coming to life, and they look so solid defensively."
He then made two bold predictions, with one being on Cristiano Ronaldo.
"France have scored only three goals in their first four games in Germany - and they were two own goals and a penalty. I am expecting them to click here, though. I am at this game for Radio 5 Live. My other prediction is that Ronaldo will take seven free-kicks - and not one of them will be on target."
Sutton's Prediction: Portugal 0-2 France
How did Cristiano Ronaldo fare in Portugal's Round-of-16 clash against Slovenia at Euro 2024?
Cristiano Ronaldo made headlines after he had a disappointing individual performance in Portugal's Euro 2024 Round-of-16 fixture against Slovenia (July 1). The game went to penalties after ending 0-0 in extra time where the former won 3-0.
FotMob gave Ronaldo a match rating of just 6.3. The 39-year-old had a golden opportunity to score his first goal of the tournament in the 105th minute but was denied by a superb save by Jan Oblak, reducing the former to tears.
Cristiano Ronaldo created zero chances, missed one big opportunity, lost eight duels, and despite having an xG of 1.43, was unable to convert his chances. Fortunately, he stepped up for Portugal in the penalty shootout, scoring their first goal. Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva also scored their spot-kicks to make the final eight.