Portugal supervisor Roberto Martinez has acknowledged that it’s too early for Cristiano Ronaldo to resolve on his worldwide future after the Selecao’s disappointing Euro 2024 exit to France.
In Friday’s quarterfinal rematch of the 2016 ultimate, the place Portugal gained 1-0, Ronaldo began however continued to wrestle with scoring on the Volksparkstadion.
Despite efforts from either side, the 39-year-old Ronaldo, his Portuguese teammates and their French opponents failed to attain in 90 or 120 minutes of play in Hamburg.
Portugal appeared to have the higher hand within the penalty shootout, having beforehand defeated Slovenia with Diogo Costa’s exceptional triple save.
Meanwhile, France had been ousted by Switzerland on penalties within the spherical of 16 at Euro 2024.
Although Ronaldo efficiently transformed each of his shootout penalties, putting his photographs completely into the underside nook, Joao Felix hit the publish, and Costa couldn’t repeat his earlier heroics, permitting France to attain all 5 of their penalties.
After Ronaldo and Portugal’s exit, the 39-year-old expressed disappointment over his first main worldwide match with out scoring a purpose, confirming he will not characteristic in one other Euros.
While Ronaldo’s plans for the upcoming Nations League and the 2026 World Cup, the place he might play at age 41, stay unsure, Martinez confronted questions on his future postgame.
However, the Selecao coach remained tight-lipped, citing the uncooked feelings of their current defeat: “No. It’s too soon. The pain is still fresh. No decisions are being made individually right now.”
Ronaldo goals to compete within the 2026 World Cup, including to his report six European Championships appearances.
If chosen, he might turn into the primary male participant to take part in six World Cups.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi is more likely to proceed into the U.S. occasion, marking his sixth World Cup, whereas Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa might lengthen his tally to 5 appearances.
Ronaldo’s relentless drive for particular person brilliance, regardless of being a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, evokes admiration from some and anguish from others who see him grappling together with his evolving type.
While the Portugal captain continues to attain prolifically for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, suggesting his membership profession is not winding down quickly, the identical can’t be stated for his worldwide aspirations.
Despite struggles and missed alternatives throughout the Euros, Martinez not often thought-about substituting Ronaldo, apart from a ultimate group stage match towards Georgia. This steadfast assist might strain teammates to cross to him even when it is not ideally suited, owing to his formidable repute.
Unlike lesser-known gamers who won’t get the identical privilege of finishing full video games, Portugal has ample attacking expertise, together with Diogo Jota and Goncalo Ramos, each relegated to peripheral roles in Germany.
With a powerful worldwide tally of 130 objectives and 47 assists in 212 matches, Ronaldo is just not able to retire quietly.
However, the time might have come to cross the mantle to a brand new technology of Portuguese stars.
Source: www.dailysabah.com