Portugal vs France: Should Cristiano Ronaldo start in the Euro 2024 Quarter Final?

Portugal has won the round of 16 matches against Slovenia at Frankfurt Arean in Euro 2024. After winning the match on penalties Portugal advanced to quarter finals and will face France. So far, in the ongoing tournament, Portugal has won two matches and lost one out of three. 

Before the Euro 2024 started Cristiano Ronaldo played for Al Nassr in Saudi Pro League where he smashed 35 goals in 31 appearances. However, some footballing pundits around the world doubt his form. During the International friendly before Euro 2024, Portugal faced the Republic of Ireland on 11^th June.

During the game Portugal coach, Roberto Martinez started with Cristiano Ronaldo in the playing XI along with Leao, Joa Felix and Bruno Fernandes in the middle. During the 50^th minute of the game, Ruben Neves passed the ball to Cristiano Ronaldo and he put the ball back into the net. A few minutes later he again found the ball back into the Republic of Ireland nets. 

The last-16 encounter went to a shootout after Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak stopped Ronaldo's extra-time penalty attempt in the 114th minute. Regulation and extra time ended 0-0. It happened in the 89th minute when he sprinted clear on goal with the ball perfectly placed in his stride. The left foot shot was low and strong, but Oblak's block was superior. Ronaldo stretched up his arms in frustration yet again.

Diogo Costa takes Portugal to quarterfinals

Ronaldo scored the first penalty for Portugal, but Diogo Costa stopped all three Slovenian shots from Josip Ilicic, Jure Balkovec, and Benjamin Verbic. Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva scored for Portugal, which won the shootout 3-0 with two shots remaining. While till now, Cristiano Ronaldo has managed to score only one goal in the form of a penalty. With Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo has broken many records and has also set a few new records. He is the only player to score in five back-to-back Euros. Along with host Germany, France, England and Portugal are favourite teams to win the Euro 2024.

Ahead of the quarter-final match against France Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has a lot of work to do and will need Cristiano Ronaldo in good form to help the team to win their second title.