End of an Era, Legendary Player Ronaldo’s last European Championship 2024
Portugal’s Exit and Ronaldo’s Last European Championship
The journey of Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal at Euro 2024 has come to a dramatic end. In a tense quarterfinal clash against France, the reigning champions from 2016 were defeated in a penalty shootout, marking the conclusion of Ronaldo’s last European Championships.
A Glorious Career Comes Full Circle
At 39, Ronaldo had previously hinted that Euro 2024 would be his final appearance in the tournament, given that he will be 43 by the time the next Euros roll around. Ahead of the quarterfinal match, he confirmed this sentiment, stating to Portuguese public broadcaster RTP, “It is, without doubt, my last European Championship.”
The Quarterfinal Clash, France vs. Portugal
The match itself was a grueling 120 minutes of scoreless football, culminating in a penalty shootout. France triumphed 5-3, securing their spot in the semi-finals. Ronaldo, despite his vast experience, couldn’t inspire a win this time. He took Portugal’s first penalty, which was successfully converted, but it was Joao Felix’s miss that ultimately cost Portugal and is Ronaldo’s last European Championship.
France’s Penalty Perfection
France demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure, with all five of their players, including Ousmane Dembele and Theo Hernández, converting their penalties. This victory ended a streak of heartbreaks for France in shootouts, including their losses in the 2021 Euros and the 2022 World Cup final.
Ronaldo and Mbappe, The Passing of the Torch
The match also featured a symbolic passing of the torch between Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe, who has often cited Ronaldo as his childhood hero. However, neither player was able to find the back of the net during regular play. Mbappe, dealing with injuries, didn’t even take a penalty, having been substituted during extra time.
Post-Match Reactions and Future Speculations
Following the defeat, Ronaldo was seen consoling his teammate Pepe, highlighting the emotional weight of the moment. Portugal’s coach Roberto Martinez, when asked about Ronaldo’s future, stated, “We are suffering a defeat as a team — there are no individual decisions at this point.”
Defensive Mastery and Offensive Struggles
France’s path to the semifinals has been characterized by defensive solidity, conceding only one goal in the tournament. However, their lack of goals from open play remains a concern for coach Didier Deschamps, who emphasized the importance of scoring more to avoid relying solely on defense.
Portugal’s Offensive Woes
For Portugal, the tournament highlighted significant offensive struggles, failing to score in their last three matches. Coach Martinez faces tough questions moving forward, especially with the potential end of Ronaldo’s international career.
A Legacy Cemented, Ronaldo’s last European Championship
Ronaldo’s impact on the Euros is undeniable. His career in the tournament includes a memorable victory in 2016 and countless unforgettable moments. While his future with the national team remains uncertain, his legacy in European football is firmly established.
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