Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary footballer, found himself in a moment of disappointment alongside his Portuguese teammates after their Euro 2024 loss against France. Despite his illustrious career, it became evident that Ronaldo’s performance in the tournament did not live up to expectations, raising questions about the team’s overreliance on him.
Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martinez, seemed more focused on giving Ronaldo every opportunity to shine rather than prioritizing the team’s success. By playing Ronaldo in every minute of every game, Martinez may have overlooked the strain Ronaldo’s lack of mobility placed on the team’s overall performance.
The statistics tell a stark story – Ronaldo took 23 shots in the tournament without finding the net, the most ever at a major men’s tournament. While Ronaldo’s past achievements were remarkable, this tournament highlighted the reality of his aging career and the need for strategic decision-making by the coach.
Martinez’s refusal to substitute Ronaldo, despite signs of fatigue and missed opportunities, points to a missed opportunity to prioritize the team’s success over individual glory. The coach’s failure to recognize Ronaldo as just another player on the team, rather than a superstar in need of redemption, ultimately cost Portugal their chance at the semifinals.
The loss against France on penalties was not solely due to Ronaldo’s performance but highlighted the team’s inability to convert chances and adapt tactically. The bitter exit from the Euros raises questions about Martinez’s coaching decisions and whether a different approach could have led to a different outcome.
Ronaldo’s legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time is secure, and it was unnecessary to prioritize his individual success over the team’s performance. The lessons learned from this tournament underscore the importance of balance, strategy, and team cohesion in achieving success at the highest level of international football.
Moving forward, Portugal must reflect on their dependence on Ronaldo and work towards building a more cohesive and resilient team that can succeed, even in the absence of a footballing icon. The Euro 2024 campaign serves as a reminder that no single player, regardless of their stature, can guarantee success without a collective team effort and strategic decision-making from the coaching staff.