Title: Ronaldo’s Emotional Journey and the Weight of Expectations
Introduction:
In a dramatic turn of events, Cristiano Ronaldo’s emotional rollercoaster during the Euro 2024 tournament has captured the attention of fans worldwide. Despite his tears in Frankfurt, Ronaldo’s impact on and off the field remains undeniable. However, as Portugal faces France in the quarter-finals, questions arise about whether Ronaldo’s mentality and physicality are still helping the team as they once did.
Ronaldo’s Emotional Breakdown:
During the last-16 match against Slovenia, Ronaldo experienced an unprecedented emotional breakdown after missing a penalty in extra time. The tears that followed indicated a profound vulnerability rarely seen in his illustrious career. Henrique Raposo, a columnist for Expresso newspaper, highlights the authenticity and humanity Ronaldo displayed in that moment. This raw emotion has been one of the key factors that have made him a media superstar throughout his career.
The Support from His Compatriots:
Despite his emotional breakdown, a poll conducted by Mais Futebol website reveals that 54% of Portuguese fans still want Ronaldo to start in the quarter-final match against France. This unwavering support showcases the deep admiration and respect the nation holds for their star player. Bernardo Ribeiro, a director of Record newspaper, emphasizes that Ronaldo’s tears are understandable and reflect his competitive nature.
Ronaldo’s Performance and Mental State:
Ronaldo’s performance against Slovenia did little to alleviate concerns about his mental state. Despite attempting 20 shots on goal, the most of any player in the competition, he has yet to find the back of the net. Luis Cristovao, a pundit for SIC Noticias, suggests that Ronaldo’s physical decline is being exposed in moments of frustration. Playing in a lower competitive context compared to previous major competitions may also be affecting his performance.
Criticism of Coach Roberto Martinez:
Coach Roberto Martinez has faced criticism for his handling of the situation. Pundit Tomas da Cunha argues that Martinez should consider playing other players to alleviate the physical and psychological pressure on Ronaldo. The 39-year-old’s workload during the tournament has raised eyebrows, with da Cunha questioning the decision to play a player of his age in multiple games within a short period.
The Weight of Expectations:
The Portuguese team has been humorously referred to as the ‘Association of Support to Cristiano Ronaldo’ by A Bola newspaper, highlighting the overwhelming focus on Ronaldo. The decision to drop him from the starting lineup would require delicate diplomacy from Martinez, considering the fallout from a similar situation in the 2022 World Cup. This incident led to strained relations between former coach Fernando Santos and Ronaldo.
Conclusion:
As Portugal faces France in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, the attention remains firmly on Cristiano Ronaldo’s emotional journey and the weight of expectations on his shoulders. Whether he can overcome his mental and physical challenges to lead Portugal to victory is a question that will be answered on the field. However, his impact and legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time are already cemented in history.