"Really aren't ready for this level yet", "These man are awful" - Portugal fans call out duo for their 'terrible' showing in Euro 2024 loss
Portugal were beaten 2-0 by Georgia at the UEFA Euro 2024 and fans ripped into two players, Goncalo Inacio and Antonio Silva, in their post-match comments for their display. This was the last set of group games at Euro 2024, and both teams have secured qualification to the Round of 16.
Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia opened the scoring for the Crusaders in the second minute before Georges Mikautadze doubled their advantage after the break from the penalty spot.
The Selecao were uncharacteristically sloppy in attack, as they failed to break down an obdurate Georgian side despite 22 shots in the game, of which five were on target.
Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo retained his place in the XI despite rumors of a possible start on the bench as their progress to last-16 was already confirmed.
After the game, fans focused their ire on two of his teammates, centre-backs Goncalo Inacio and Antonio Silva. Silva's misplaced pass led to Georgia's opening goal before he conceded a penalty that led to a second. As for Inacio, he struggled to cope with Georgia's attacking impetus and speed, chasing shadows for most of his time on the field.
Fans were frustrated with their performances, and made no secret of that on X. One user said:
"Antonio Silva and Inacio really aren't ready for this level yet."
Another user wrote:
One fan was sharper in his criticism, saying:
"Antonio silva and inacio guy is absolutely stinks."
Another one echoed the sentiment, as he wrote:
Another opined in similar words:
Another fan wrote:
"That Antonio Silva and Goncalo inacio have been terrible man"
Portugal face Slovenia in the round of 16 of Euro 2024 on Monday, 1 July.
Portugal face another potential banana skin in Slovenia
Portugal are the favorites on paper against their Round of 16 opponents Slovenia, but it could be a potential banana skin. The Dragons, playing in their first Euro cup since 2000, are fresh off holding England to a goalless stalemate in their last group fixture and came through their group unbeaten.
Tonight's loss could be an accident, as defeats in last group fixtures at major tournaments are a common occurrence for big sides. After all, Portugal had also lost their third group match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup against South Korea, having won their previous two group fixtures.
But it's a warning to Portugal about what could happen if they take their feet off the gas. Also, the under-performing Ronaldo will have to step up, as he's been unable to replicate his club form onto the international stage thus far.