📷 Image Credits: Goal.com
In the Euro 2024 opener, Portugal players faced accusations of deliberately not passing the ball to captain Cristiano Ronaldo during their match against Czechia. The game ended with a 2-1 victory for Portugal, thanks to a 90th-minute goal from Francisco Conceicao. Despite Czechia opening the scoring in the 62nd minute and Portugal quickly equalizing through an own goal, Ronaldo struggled to make an impact on the game.
Former England defender Stuart Pearce speculated on talkSPORT that there were instances in the match where Ronaldo’s teammates seemed to deny him passes, suggesting a lack of trust in the captain. Pearce highlighted a specific moment involving Bernardo Silva, where a potentially crucial pass was not made to Ronaldo, leaving the forward isolated upfront. The lack of connection between Ronaldo and his teammates raised questions about team dynamics within the Portuguese squad.
Reflecting on Ronaldo’s performance, Pearce and presenter Richard Keys expressed concerns about the veteran forward’s form and the need for him to consider retirement. Keys particularly emphasized that Ronaldo may not be the same player he once was. However, Ronaldo’s impact and influence on the game remain significant, as acknowledged by Czechia manager Ivan Hasek, who praised Ronaldo’s abilities and referred to him as one of the best players of all time.
With Portugal securing a hard-fought victory in their Euro 2024 opener, all eyes will be on Ronaldo and his teammates as they prepare to face Group F leaders Turkiye in their upcoming match. As the tournament progresses, the dynamics between Ronaldo and the Portuguese team will continue to be closely observed, especially in relation to passing and trust issues highlighted in their match against Czechia.
