“Would’ve scored”, “Portugal’s biggest mistake” - Fans name player who should have replaced Cristiano Ronaldo in Euro 2024 loss to France
Portugal fans believe that striker Diogo Jota should have replaced Cristiano Ronaldo in the Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against France. The fans voiced their opinion following Portugal's defeat and a disappointing performance from the veteran.
Neither France nor Portugal could find the back of the net in normal time or extra time, leading a 0-0 draw to penalties. Joao Felix missed his penalty to give France the advantage. Les Bleus, who did not miss a single spot-kick, sealed a 5-3 win on penalties in the end.
After Cristiano Ronaldo's disappointing performance, multiple fans on X are of the opinion that he should have been replaced by Diogo Jota during the game. Many believed he was a liability for Portugal and Jota deserved to start ahead of the 39-year-old. Here are some of the reactions:
"Diogo Jota should've come on. Ronaldo was a liability" a fan said.
"You can’t tell me genuinely that Diogo Jota wouldn’t be more effective on counter attacks than Ronaldo" another user added.
"Diogo Jota not getting a sniff is criminal" a third fan wrote.
"How on earth Portugal didn’t bring on Diogo Jota is beyond me. Ignorance similar to what Southgate has with Trent if I’m being honest." an individual mentioned.
"Diogo Jota is still on the bench. That’s a farce." a user commented.
"How is Diogo Jota not on the pitch for Portugal instead of Ronaldo..." a fan wondered.
"It's 0-0 in extra time. You named the same team who played 120 minutes a few days ago. You have Diogo Jota and Pedro Neto on the bench and a 39-year-old who has not scored still on the pitch. Make it make sense..." a fan ranted.
"Glad this will be Ronaldo's last international tournament. It's time for Jota to start as the main Striker for Portugal now going forward." an individual wrote.
Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to find the net for Portugal in all five of their matches at Euro 2024. He was also criticized for missing a crucial penalty for his side in the Round of 16 against Slovenia. However, Ronaldo eventually scored in the shootout to help Portugal qualify for the quarter-final with a 3-0 win on penalties.
Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that Euro 2024 would be his final European championship
After Portugal's 3-0 win on penalties against Slovenia on July 2 in the Euro 2024 Round of 16, Cristiano Ronaldo admitted to Portugal TV's RTP in the post-match press conference that Euro 2024 would be his final European championship.
"Without a doubt it's the last Euro [for me], of course it is. But I'm not emotional about that. I'm moved by everything that football entails, by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm I see in the fans, having my family here, people's passion... it's not about leaving the world of football. What else is there for me to do or win?"
Cristiano Ronaldo played his first Euro in 2004, and won the tournament in 2016. He is still the tournament's all-time leading goalscorer with 14 goals to his name.
Speaking further, Cristiano Ronaldo explained that the enthusiasm to continue playing is the important aspect of his journey of having representing the Portugal national team for over two decades.
"The most important thing about the journey I've been on is the enthusiasm I still have for being here. It's 20 years representing and playing with the national team, bringing joy to people, to the family, my children, that is what motivates me most." Cristiano Ronaldo added.
Cristiano Ronaldo would be 43 years old during the next Euro, which is scheduled to be held in 2028. Although he has confirmed that Euro 2024 is his final European Championship, he could take a last shot at attaining international glory with Portugal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.