Luis Figo rates Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal’s chances of winning Euro 2024; makes 2022 FIFA World Cup comparison
Former legendary footballer Luis Figo recently spoke about Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal's chances of winning Euro 2024 ahead of their opening game against the Czech Republic on Thursday, June 18.
Speaking as the bid ambassador for Portugal, Morroco and Spain for the 2030 FIFA World Cup via The Mirror, Figo outlined Portugal's balance between experience and youth.
“Portugal has a strong team, with a good balance between very experienced players and the younger players just starting to establish themselves on an international level. Portuguese football has a bright future. The current generation of players is incredibly talented, and through the great work of academies across the country, we have had a consistent pipeline of really talented young players," Figo said.
Figo believes the Selecao are one of the five or six teams most likely to win Euro 2024. However, he noted that it would come down to 'small moments' similar to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar where Portugal were beaten by Morocco in the quarterfinals.
“Like the World Cup, it will come down to small moments, so it’s always difficult to predict, but Portugal are one of five or six teams which go into the tournament very confident they can win it, and why not? I’m really excited to see how far they can go," he added.
Portugal's Euro 2024 squad looks promising, with the likes of experienced players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva leading the team. The squad also includes a number of talented young players such as Rafael Leao, Goncalo Ramos, and Joao Felix.
Cristiano Ronaldo claims winning Euro 2024 with Portugal would be a dream
Speaking to the media ahead of the Euros, Cristiano Ronaldo made an honest admission that he was nearing retirement. He also stated that winning Euro 2024 with Portugal would be a dream, calling his national team the love of his life.
"I know I don’t have many years of football left. It’s a gift to play year after year, after 35. I’m 39 and every year is about enjoying [myself]. To score for the national team is special. The national team is the love of my life, winning the Euros would be a dream," Ronaldo said (via Metro).
The five-time Ballon D'or winner won the Euros with Portugal in 2016 and is the tournament's all-time top scorer with 14 goals. He is set to play in his sixth European Championship this time around, which would make him the first player to do so.
"For me, playing for the national team is a passion, a love. Any game is special, a European Championship is special, it will be my sixth, which is also a record. Playing in 2004, when I made my debut, or playing today, the feeling is always of pride and passion. It doesn’t get any better than this," he added (via Metro).
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start in Portugal's opening match of Euro 2024 against the Czech Republic. However, the Al-Nassr star has stated that he would respect coach Roberto Martinez's decision if he decided to bench him.