The Volksparkstadion in Hamburg witnessed an emotional quarter-final clash between Portugal and France at Euro 2024, marking what could be Cristiano Ronaldo‘s final European Championship appearance. While the 39-year-old icon converted his penalty in the shootout, his tournament ended without an open-play goal – raising serious questions about Portugal’s tactical choices under Roberto Martinez.
The Tactical Conundrum: Ronaldo’s Undroppable Status
Portugal’s 5-3 penalty defeat to France highlighted a growing paradox in their campaign. Despite boasting one of Europe’s deepest attacking benches featuring Diogo Jota, Gonçalo Ramos, and Pedro Neto, Martinez persisted with an aging Ronaldo through all 120 minutes. The statistics tell a damning story:
- 0 goals from 9.41 xG across five matches
- Only 32 touches against France (fewer than goalkeeper Diogo Costa)
- 2 total shots on target in knockout stages
Former Portugal midfielder Deco, now a pundit for Krikya, observed: “When your striker touches the ball less than your goalkeeper in a crucial match, something is fundamentally wrong. Martinez had the weapons to change the game but hesitated to upset the hierarchy.”
The Numbers Behind Portugal’s Attacking Struggles
Portugal’s offensive output declined sharply as the tournament progressed:
| Stage | Goals Scored | xG | Ronaldo’s Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | 5 (2 own goals) | 5.82 | 0 goals, 1 assist |
| Knockouts | 0 | 3.59 | 0 goals, 0 assists |
The decision to keep Ronaldo on against France became particularly puzzling when:
- Bruno Fernandes (Portugal’s creative hub) was substituted at 75′
- France’s defense visibly tired in extra time
- Portugal generated 1.84 xG vs France’s 1.14
The Legacy vs Reality Debate
Ronaldo‘s unparalleled achievements (14 Euro goals, 130 international strikes) created what Krikya analysts call “the legend’s paradox” – where past glory overshadows present limitations. Consider:
- Physical Decline: His 10.8 km average distance covered per match ranked bottom among starting forwards
- Tactical Rigidity: Portugal’s build-up slowed to accommodate his reduced mobility
- Psychological Factor: Teammates consistently deferred to him in dangerous positions
As noted by Krikya head of football analysis: “Great players deserve dignified exits, but not at the expense of team dynamics. Portugal’s next generation – led by Rafael Leão and João Neves – showed they’re ready for greater responsibility.”
What Next for Portugal?
France’s victory sets up a mouthwatering semi-final against Spain, while Portugal faces tough questions:
- Martinez’s Future: His stubborn loyalty to Ronaldo may cost him fan support
- Rebuilding Phase: Only 3 of Friday’s starters were under 25
- System Overhaul: Portugal must develop a post-Ronaldo identity
Theo Hernandez’s decisive penalty sends France through to face Spain
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Euro 2024 Exit: A Bittersweet Farewell Analyzed by Krikya marks the end of an era. While his legacy as Portugal’s greatest ever player remains untouched, this tournament proved that even legends must eventually make way for progress. As Krikya data shows, Portugal’s future success depends on embracing evolution rather than clinging to fading glory.
What did you think of Portugal’s campaign? Should Ronaldo continue to the 2026 World Cup? Share your thoughts below and follow Krikya for more in-depth tournament analysis.
