Frustration hangs heavy in the air around the Portugal national team following their disappointing quarter-final exit at Euro 2024. A controversial penalty shootout loss to France has reignited discussions about the team’s dependence on Cristiano Ronaldo and the overall tactical approach.
In the aftermath of the defeat, midfielder Bernardo Silva came to the defense of his captain, deflecting criticism aimed at Ronaldo’s missed free-kick in the dying moments of regular time, a moment many believe could have changed the course of the match.
A Missed Opportunity or Collective Responsibility?
The free-kick, awarded in a dangerous position just outside the French penalty area, was seen as a golden opportunity for Ronaldo to snatch a dramatic late winner. However, his attempt sailed harmlessly over the bar, leaving Portugal fans heartbroken and fueling a wave of criticism towards the veteran forward.
Silva, however, believes the blame shouldn’t fall solely on Ronaldo’s shoulders:
“We win and lose together. It’s easy for everyone to act like coaches now and criticize Cristiano for one missed free-kick. But the reality is, we all had moments where we could have done better throughout the game. We created chances, but France defended well. We have to learn from this as a team and move forward.”
Silva’s comments highlight a crucial point: football is a team sport. Individual brilliance can win matches, but ultimately, success hinges on collective performance.
Ronaldo’s Legacy and Portugal’s Future
At 38, questions about Ronaldo’s long-term future with the national team are natural. While his goalscoring prowess remains undeniable, his overall influence on the game is a topic of debate.
Here’s a closer look at the ongoing discussion:
- Adapting to a New Role: Ronaldo’s playing style might need to evolve as he ages. He can still be a valuable asset, but perhaps in a more withdrawn role, allowing younger players to flourish around him.
- Finding the Right Balance: Integrating Ronaldo into the team’s tactical setup effectively is crucial. Portugal needs to find a way to utilize his experience while fostering the development of a new generation of talent.
- Focus on the Collective: Shifting the focus from individual brilliance to a more collective approach might be necessary for Portugal to achieve future success.
The Ronaldo era has undoubtedly been a golden one for Portugal. However, the team needs to plan for the future and ensure a smooth transition when the time comes.
Moving Forward: Lessons Learned and Building for the Future
Portugal’s Euro 2024 exit, while disappointing, offers valuable lessons:
- The Importance of Squad Depth: Portugal’s reliance on a few key players, particularly Ronaldo, was exposed. Building a strong squad with capable backups is crucial for navigating a demanding tournament.
- Tactical Flexibility: Portugal’s approach seemed rigid at times. The ability to adapt tactics based on the opponent and the flow of the game will be essential in future tournaments.
- Embracing Youth: Portugal boasts a talented pool of young players. Integrating them effectively and fostering their development is key to building a successful team for the years to come.
Head coach Fernando Santos now faces the challenge of addressing these shortcomings and building a team that can compete for major trophies beyond the Ronaldo era.
The focus should shift from individual performances to building a cohesive unit with a clear tactical identity. This will require a collective effort from players, coaches, and the Portuguese Football Federation, ensuring a smoother transition into the future.
A United Front or Cracks Beginning to Show?
Silva’s defense of Ronaldo highlights the team spirit within the Portugal camp. However, the question remains: will this disappointment create a rift within the squad, or will they use it as a catalyst for improvement?
The coming months will be crucial in determining Portugal’s trajectory. Will they emerge stronger from this setback, or will the cracks of discontent begin to show? Only time will tell.
