Football

Cristiano Ronaldo's future with the Portugal national team has become a subject of speculation following the team's disappointing exit from Euro 2024 at the quarter-final stage. Despite a prolific season with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, Ronaldo struggled to make an impact at the tournament, failing to score or assist in Portugal's four matches.However, according to a report in Relevo, Ronaldo is determined to continue his international career and has set his sights on the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The report claims that Ronaldo wants to become the first player in history to appear and score in six editions of the flagship competition.Ronaldo's desire to continue playing for Portugal stems from his belief that he can still contribute to the team's success. Despite his advancing age, Ronaldo remains one of the most prolific goalscorers in the world, having scored over 800 goals for club and country.However, Ronaldo's international future remains uncertain. After Portugal's quarter-final defeat to France, Ronaldo admitted that Euro 2024 could be his last European Championship. He said, "These are inexplicable moments. I had the chance to put the national team ahead and I didn't manage it."Despite Ronaldo's comments, Portugal manager Fernando Santos has expressed his desire to keep Ronaldo in the team. Santos said, "Cristiano Ronaldo is still a very important player for us. He is a leader and a role model for the younger players."Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to continue playing for Portugal lies with Ronaldo. If he decides to retire from international football, it will mark the end of an era for Portugal. Ronaldo has been a key figure in the team's success over the past two decades, helping them win the European Championship in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019.

France emerged victorious over Portugal in a thrilling penalty shootout after a goalless draw in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. Despite boasting an array of attacking talent, both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances throughout the match.The first half was particularly uneventful, with the combined expected goals (xG) at just 0.15. France's inability to score from open play extended to over 500 minutes, a remarkable statistic considering their status as one of the tournament favorites.As the match progressed, Kylian Mbappe's influence waned, and he was eventually substituted before the penalty shootout. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo also had a disappointing night, failing to score despite having 23 shots in the tournament.In the shootout, France converted all five of their penalties, while Portugal's Joao Felix hit the upright. This marked France's first shootout victory in a major tournament since 1998.Despite their lack of goals from open play, France's defense has been impenetrable, not conceding a single goal in Euro 2024. William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano were particularly impressive, nullifying the threat of Portugal's attacking players.The match also highlighted the changing face of Portugal's national team. Goncalo Ramos and Diogo Jota, who have both had impressive seasons at club level, were left on the bench in favor of Ronaldo. This decision raised questions about the future of the team and whether it is time to move on from the aging superstar.

Portugal and France, two European football powerhouses, will clash in a highly anticipated quarter-final match at Euro 2024. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams boasting world-class players and a rich history of rivalry.The two sides have faced off in the previous two Euros, with Portugal emerging victorious in the 2016 final and the teams drawing 2-2 in the group stage at Euro 2020. This time, the stakes are even higher as Portugal's legendary captain Cristiano Ronaldo aims to end his European career on a high note.Ronaldo, who has won five Ballon d'Or awards, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. However, he faces a formidable opponent in France's Kylian Mbappe, who is considered one of the most promising young players in the world. Mbappe has already won the World Cup with France and is eager to add the European Championship to his trophy cabinet.The match will be played at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, Germany, on Saturday, July 6, at 12:30 AM IST. It will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed live on the SonyLiv app and website.Portugal will be looking to build on their impressive performance in the Round of 16, where they defeated Slovenia in a penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa was the hero for Portugal, saving three successive penalties. France, on the other hand, will be confident after topping their group and defeating England in the Round of 16.The match is expected to be a close and competitive affair, with both teams having the potential to win. Portugal will rely on the experience of Ronaldo and the creativity of Bernardo Silva, while France will look to the pace and skill of Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé, two of the most iconic footballers of their generation, are set to clash in a heavyweight quarterfinal match at Euro 2024. The match between Portugal and France promises to be a spectacle, with both players carrying the hopes of their nations on their shoulders.Ronaldo, now 39, has confirmed that this will be his last European Championship. The Portuguese legend has had a remarkable career, winning numerous trophies and individual accolades. However, he has been struggling for form in recent months, failing to score in his last eight matches at major tournaments.Mbappé, on the other hand, is the rising star of world football. The 25-year-old has already won the World Cup with France and is considered one of the best players in the world. He has a prolific scoring record, having netted 48 goals for France and 48 goals in the Champions League.The two players have a long history together. Mbappé grew up idolizing Ronaldo and even met him as a child at Real Madrid's training ground. In 2020, Mbappé tweeted that Ronaldo was his "idol."The quarterfinal match between Portugal and France is likely to be a close and intense affair. Both teams have talented players and are capable of winning the tournament. However, the clash between Ronaldo and Mbappé will be the main attraction.Ronaldo will be looking to end his European Championship career on a high, while Mbappé will be aiming to prove that he is the heir apparent to the throne of world football. The match promises to be a memorable one, with both players determined to leave their mark on the tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese forward, has been a pivotal figure for his nation for nearly two decades. However, as he approaches the twilight of his illustrious career, the 39-year-old is facing the reality of his declining physical abilities.Ronaldo's presence in Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr has highlighted his diminished form. In Portugal's Euro 2024 campaign, he has failed to find the back of the net and has struggled to make a significant impact on the team's attacking play.Despite starting all four of Portugal's matches, Ronaldo's contributions have been limited. He assisted Bruno Fernandes in one goal but has otherwise been a peripheral figure. His missed penalty against Slovenia nearly cost Portugal a place in the quarter-finals.Coach Roberto Martinez has defended Ronaldo, stating that he "paved the way" for Portugal's eventual victory in the penalty shootout. However, it is evident that Ronaldo is no longer the formidable force he once was.Ronaldo's emotional outburst after failing to score in extra time against Slovenia and his apology to fans after netting in the shootout underscore his frustration and the realization that his time as a top-level performer is drawing to a close.Portugal faces a daunting task in the quarter-finals against France, whose defense has been impenetrable in the tournament. Ronaldo's record-breaking achievements in the European Championship, including being the all-time leading scorer and appearance maker, may not be enough to overcome the French defense.Unless Ronaldo can rediscover his scoring touch and forge a better connection with his teammates, Friday's match could mark a sad farewell to the Euros for the Portuguese icon.

Kylian Mbappe, the talismanic forward for France, has yet to reach his peak performance at Euro 2024 despite leading his team into the quarter-finals against Portugal on Friday. The tournament has been overshadowed by speculation about his club future and a broken nose sustained in the opening match.Mbappe, 25, will once again don a protective face mask in Hamburg, a necessity after the injury he suffered against Austria. Despite his discomfort with the mask, he remains the focal point of a French team that has reached the quarter-finals with just three goals in four matches.France's Expected Goals (XG) metric, which measures the quality of chances created, stands at nearly seven, surpassed only by Spain, Portugal, and Germany. Mbappe's own XG is 2.54, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo and Kai Havertz.Mbappe's frustration stems from his inability to replicate his success at the World Cups at the Euros. He was instrumental in France's triumphs in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, scoring a hat-trick in the latter's final defeat to Argentina. However, his only goal in seven Euros appearances is a penalty against Poland."My Euros didn't start like I wanted, but I am here to help the team and I really want to have success with this team," Mbappe said before the victory against Belgium. "The Euros is the only thing I have not won with the national team, so I really want to win it."France assistant coach Guy Stephan acknowledged that Mbappe was "traumatized" by the collision that resulted in his broken nose. Additionally, his difficult final season at Paris Saint-Germain may have contributed to his subdued form.Mbappe's impending clash with Portugal holds added significance as he faces his boyhood hero, Cristiano Ronaldo. The completion of his move to Real Madrid has fulfilled a long-held dream, and his admiration for Ronaldo played a role in his decision.Now, Mbappe has the opportunity to become the star in Madrid, where Ronaldo reigned supreme for nearly a decade. However, he knows that to keep his dream of winning the European Championship alive, he must first overcome Portugal and potentially end Ronaldo's illustrious international career.

The UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-finals are set to deliver a thrilling spectacle, with some of the tournament's biggest names vying for glory. The draw has produced a tantalizing mix of heavyweights and underdogs, promising an unforgettable knockout stage.The first quarter-final, on July 5, pits tournament favorites Germany against Spain, two teams that have showcased exceptional form and attacking prowess. This clash of titans is likely to be a tactical battleground, with both sides boasting world-class players.The second quarter-final, on July 6, features a mouthwatering encounter between Portugal and France. These two nations played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in Euro 2020, and the rematch promises to be equally captivating. Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe, two of the game's biggest stars, will be eager to make their mark on the tournament.Switzerland, the surprise package of Euro 2024, faces England in the third quarter-final. The Swiss have proven their mettle by dispatching defending champions Italy, while England has relied heavily on the brilliance of Jude Bellingham. This match-up is likely to be a close and competitive affair.The final quarter-final, on July 7, sees the Netherlands take on Turkey. The Dutch have impressed with their attacking flair, while Turkey has shown resilience and determination. This clash could produce an upset, as Turkey aims to continue their giant-killing run.The winners of the quarter-finals will advance to the semi-finals, where they will face off for a place in the final. The tournament is poised to deliver an unforgettable knockout stage, with some of the world's best teams battling for European supremacy.

Portugal's relentless determination and Diogo Costa's heroic saves propelled them to a hard-fought 3-0 penalty shootout victory over a resilient Slovenia in the Euro 2024 Round of 16. The match, played in Hamburg, Germany, was a tense affair that saw both teams battle valiantly for a place in the quarterfinals.After a scoreless 90 minutes, the game entered extra time, where Cristiano Ronaldo had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock from the penalty spot. However, Slovenia's goalkeeper, Jan Oblak, made a brilliant save, denying the Portuguese captain a chance to add to his legendary tally.As the game remained deadlocked, it went to a penalty shootout. Josep Ilicic's first kick for Slovenia was saved by Costa, giving Portugal an early advantage. Ronaldo stepped up and calmly converted his spot-kick, putting his team ahead. Jure Balkovec's subsequent miss for Slovenia sealed their fate.Costa continued his heroics, saving Benjamin Verbic's penalty, setting the stage for Bernardo Silva to confidently slot home the winning spot-kick. Portugal's victory was a testament to their resilience and the brilliance of their goalkeeper.In the quarterfinals, Portugal will face a formidable challenge in the form of France, who defeated Germany in their Round of 16 match. The two European powerhouses will clash in Hamburg on Friday, with a place in the semifinals at stake.

Slovenia's historic Euro 2024 campaign has reached the last-16 stage, where they face the formidable Portugal. Despite their impressive unbeaten run, Slovenia's star striker Benjamin Sesko has yet to find the back of the net.Sesko's absence from the scoresheet is a departure from his prolific form for RB Leipzig, where he scored in each of his last seven games. His versatility as a striker is evident in his ability to score with his head, unleash fierce strikes from distance, and possess exceptional speed and physicality.Despite Sesko's goal drought, Slovenia has shown resilience and determination in their group stage matches. They held England to a 1-1 draw, narrowly missed out on a victory against Denmark, and drew with Serbia in a heart-wrenching 1-1 tie.Their third-place finish in Group C sets up a clash with Portugal, who impressed with wins over Czech Republic and Turkey. However, Portugal's talismanic forward Cristiano Ronaldo has also failed to score in the tournament.Ronaldo, despite his advancing age, remains a pivotal figure for Portugal. His experience and leadership will be crucial against Slovenia, who will be looking to exploit any weaknesses in the Portuguese defense.Sesko, who was just a toddler when Ronaldo made his Euro debut in 2004, will be eager to make his mark on the tournament. His potential and the underdog status of Slovenia could inspire a similar upset to Greece's victory over Portugal in the 2004 final.