NEW DELHI: Portugal face a crucial match against Turkey in Group F of the Euro 2024, with Cristiano Ronaldo's role and the team's qualification hopes in the spotlight.
Despite transferring to Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr and approaching 40, Ronaldo remains a central figure in Portugal's setup. Coach Roberto Martinez has confirmed Ronaldo's participation in the upcoming match, emphasizing his enduring value to the team.
Martinez highlighted Ronaldo's experience, tactical awareness, goal-scoring prowess, and ability to create space as key assets.
"I think what's important is to understand what a player brings. For us, Cristiano brings the experience, brings the know-how, brings the goal-scoring opportunities, the movement in the box, the opportunity to open up space If you want to analyse the stats in terms of the physical side, well you need to look at what he's done in the last 12 months," Martinez said, as quoted by AFP.
"Cristiano is in the national team of Portugal because he deserves to be, and all the physical stats just back that he can play every four days," the coach added.
Ronaldo's recent form supports Martinez's assessment. He has an impressive scoring record for both club and country, netting 44 goals in 45 appearances for Al Nassr and seven goals in seven international matches leading up to the Euros.
However, Ronaldo's performance in Portugal's opening 2-1 victory against the Czech Republic, where he failed to score despite playing the full match, raises questions about his effectiveness within the team's current tactical framework. While his overall contribution might be valuable, his ability to convert chances and be the decisive factor in crucial games requires further scrutiny.
Looking at Portugal's qualification prospects, they currently trail group leaders Turkey on goal difference. A victory against Turkey in Dortmund, coupled with a Czech Republic win or draw against Georgia in Hamburg, would secure Portugal's place in the Euro 2024 knock-outs.
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