“This is not about Mbappe and Ronaldo” - Portugal superstar weighs in on Euro 2024 quarter-final with France
Portugal superstar Bernardo Silva believes his team's Euro 2024 quarter-final with France on Friday (July 5) in Hamburg is much more than about Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe. The discourse leading up to the match has been dominated by the build-up to both players facing off.
Mbappe is a fan of Ronaldo and will face his hero in a quarterfinal with all to play for. Speaking with OJogo before the match, though, Manchester City star Bernardo Silva said that the match is about the respective countries and not individual players:
"I don't see it that way. This is not about Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo; it's about Portugal and France. But they are two great players. Cristiano is the best ever. Kylian is starting to do great things. But this is about the teams. We want to qualify for the semi-finals"
Cristiano Ronaldo is playing in his final European Championships at 39 and will be keen to win the Euro 2024 title. Kylian Mbappe, meanwhile, will hope to spoil the legendary striker’s plans and book a place for France in the semifinals of the competition.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal teammate discusses chances against Kylian Mbappe’s France in Euro 2024 QF
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal teammate, Bernardo Silva has discussed his nation’s chances against France in the Euro 2024 quarter-final. The Selecao face a tough French side packed with stars, including Kylian Mbappe, as they seek a place in the last-four.
Speaking to OJogo about Portugal's chances, the City star said:
"It takes a better Portugal, at a very high level to play against France. I do not agree when they say that Portugal has not been at the right level. We are among the eight best teams in Europe.
"To be in some final rooms, it is because the work was very well done, sometimes it may not be very beautiful and spectacular for those who are at home, but the reality is that Portugal has done a spectacular job or would not be in the quarterfinals".
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo is yet to get off the mark at Euro 2024 but has notched up an assist in four games. He missed an extra-time penalty in the Round of 16 shootout win over Slovenia but converted his effort in the shootout. Mbappe, meanwhile, has scored once in three games.