Sportskeeda reports that Chris Sutton, a sports writer for BBC Sport, has warned Portugal about the limitations of Cristiano Ronaldo, the team's star player, in the lead-up to their Round of 16 match against Slovenia in Euro 2024. According to Sutton, "he is detrimental to their team because he cannot move anymore." This highlights Ronaldo's mobility issues, which are a major worry for Portugal.
Regardless, Sutton (citing Portugal's individual and collective quality) has forecasted a 3-0 victory for Portugal against Slovenia. Ronaldo has not scored in six straight games at major events this tournament, and according to Sutton, his declining mobility is a big reason why.
Sutton issues a warning following Portugal's 12-game winning streak being abruptly halted in their last group stage encounter by Georgia. In contrast, Slovenia has been remarkably disciplined and focused in Euro 2024, limiting England to a scoreless draw while averaging just 32% possession.
Sutton predicts that Portugal will win the match between Slovenia and Portugal on July 1 at the Deutsche Bank Park, based on Portugal's quality. But his criticism of Ronaldo's mobility issues should serve as a reminder to Portugal that they need to change their strategy to account for their star player's diminished abilities.
The tournament is still early in its run, so it's anyone's guess whether Portugal can win despite missing Ronaldo's greatest performance. Slovenia will undoubtedly be a formidable opponent for Portugal, and the match is sure to be a thrilling and intensely contested showdown.