Football fans are convinced Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo made the wrong decision in allowing France to take the first penalty in Friday’s Euro 2024 quarter-final shootout.
Penalties were needed to separate Portugal and France in the quarter-final clash after a goalless draw.
Ronaldo appeared to win the mandatory coin toss before the penalty shootout, meaning he could choose whether his team went first or second.
However, perhaps unexpectedly, he wanted France to make the first move.
Les Bleus won 5-3 after substitute João Félix hit the post.
And many fans believe Ronaldo’s decision to miss the first shot played a big part in the outcome.
One person took to social media to comment: “I know penalties are a matter of luck (except for the Germans) but there have been enough examples to show that the team that wins first is usually the one that wins. The pressure easily mounts on the one that wins second. Ronaldo missed this one.”
Another was quick to point out: “The team that starts has about a 60% chance of winning.”
A third wrote: “I don’t know why Ronaldo let them play first in penalties. It’s a huge mental barrier to play second.”
While a fourth said: “I’m not even joking when I say this defeat is Ronaldo’s fault. He won the toss before penalties and could easily have chosen to shoot first and put France under pressure.”
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This is how Portugal performed in the Euro Cup with Cristiano Ronaldo
CRISTIANO RONALDO has been a model of longevity for more than two decades in a distinguished international career.
Euro 2004
After making his international debut in 2003, Ronaldo’s first European Championship came in 2004.
Ronaldo marked his Euro debut with a goal in a 2-1 defeat to Greece, his first for Portugal.
He scored his second goal in the semi-final win over the Netherlands, but Portugal faced Greece again in the final, losing 1-0 in a shock result.
Euro 2008
Ronaldo captained Portugal four years later, but Euro 2008 was the tournament he has had the least impact on.
There was still time for a standout performance, however, as Ronaldo scored once and assisted twice more in the group stage win over the Czech Republic.
Euro 2012
Ronaldo, who was playing for Real Madrid at the time, was the top scorer at Euro 2012 with three goals, including two in the group stage against the Netherlands.
The quarter-final match between Portugal and the Czech Republic was on the verge of a draw with 10 minutes to go and they needed a special moment from them.
His powerful header in the last minute took Portugal to the semi-finals, where they lost on penalties to Spain.
Euro 2016
Ronaldo scored three goals in Euro 2016, with which Portugal was crowned champion CHAMPIONS after defeating France 1-0 in extra time of the final.
After suffering an injury in the first 16 minutes of the match against France, he was forced to watch the game from the sidelines.
However, Portugal’s captain turned cheerleader and helped coach his teammates to achieve the historic victory.
He equalled Michel Platini’s record of nine goals at the end of Euro 2016.
Euro 2020
Ronaldo made history again with FIVE goals at Euro 2020, the most of any player at a Euro.
However, it was arguably the least exciting game for Portugal as they went down in the round of 16 after a 1-0 defeat to Belgium.
With his goals in this tournament, Ronaldo became the top scorer of the European Championship with 14 goals.
France will now face Spain in the semi-finals.
Earlier this week, Ronaldo confirmed that Euro 2024 would be his last Euros.
Speaking to RTP, he said: “It is certainly the last Euro (for me), of course it is.
“But I’m not excited about that. I’m excited about everything that football entails, the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm I see in the fans, having my family here, the passion of the people… It’s not about leaving the world of football. What else is there for me to do or win?”
Roberto Martinez declined to comment on the 39-year-old’s future after the match.
The Portugal coach said: “It’s too early and painful after the game to talk about it and no individual decisions have been taken.”
Who is the sexiest star at Euro 2024?
EURO 2024 has something for everyone: spectacular goals, thrilling matches… and the continent’s biggest stars, writes Jack Figg.
Several stars have lit up the group stage with their skills on the pitch, but others are also catching the eye with their looks.
But who is the sexiest?
Fortunately, artificial intelligence experts have conducted an analysis of the facial attractiveness of all the players in the tournament.
And it’s bad news for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions, who are the fourth team. UGLIER in the competition, one place below Scotland.
In fact, it is England’s group rivals Serbia who are most exciting to fans, with an average score of 77.90/100 and defender Strahinja Pavlovic considered the most attractive.
While Turkish defender Mert Muldur has been ranked as the best of the tournament. BEST LOOK player.
But who is England’s sexiest star and who makes the Euros’ most attractive XI? Read our full story.
