Portugal's exit from Euro 2024 has left many wondering what went wrong for the team that was once considered a favorite to win the tournament. While there are many factors that contributed to their early exit, one thing is clear: Portugal's reliance on Cristiano Ronaldo cost them dearly, according to ESPN.
Ronaldo, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, has been the face of Portuguese football for over a decade. His impressive skills and goal-scoring ability have made him a legend in the sport. However, at 39 years old, Ronaldo is no longer the same player he once was. His lack of mobility and struggles on the field were evident throughout the tournament.
Despite this, Portugal coach Roberto Martínez continued to rely heavily on Ronaldo, playing him in every minute of every game. This decision proved to be a costly one, as Ronaldo's struggles on the field began to affect the rest of the team.
Martínez's decision to prioritize Ronaldo's legacy over the team's chances of winning was a mistake. By playing Ronaldo in every game, Martínez was essentially betting on a player who was past his prime to carry the team to victory. This decision not only hurt the team's chances of winning but also put unnecessary pressure on Ronaldo himself.
Furthermore, Martínez's reliance on Ronaldo meant that other players, such as Gonçalo Ramos and Diogo Jota, were not given the opportunity to contribute to the team's success. This lack of trust in other players meant that Portugal's attack was one-dimensional, relying solely on Ronaldo to score goals.
In the end, Portugal's reliance on Ronaldo cost them dearly. Their exit from Euro 2024 serves as a reminder that no player, no matter how great, can carry a team to victory alone. Martínez's decision to prioritize Ronaldo's legacy over the team's chances of winning will be remembered as a costly mistake.