symbol” Ronald” So’s continued allure as Portugal’s main attraction
Even though Cristiano Ronaldo, who is 39 years old, had been the center of attention leading up to Portugal’s first match of the European Championship against the Czech Republic, a youthful player once again stole the show in Germany.
There were “Ronaldo 7” shirts all throughout Leipzig prior to the match as supporters got ready to celebrate the veteran forward’s record-breaking sixth participation at the European Championship.
It was Francisco Conceicao, who is 18 years younger than Ronaldo, who scored the game-winning goal as Portugal started their Group F campaign with a 2-1 triumph. Surely, they were expecting he would score to seal the deal.
Alan Shearer, a former England striker, was ecstatic with his contribution, which was his first touch since making his competitive debut.
“You are sent on to change the game and to do something,” he remarked on BBC One. “You have to make an impact as a sub.”
“What a story,” Danny Murphy, a former Liverpool player, chimed in.
I said, ‘What can you do in three minutes as a substitute?’. Even though he was fortunate with the deflection, he still wouldn’t let that pass him by.
As Ronaldo elatedly pounded the air and high-fived his teammates, the unforgettable moment was shared by Conceicao, the son of former Portugal player Sergio.
Roberto Martinez, coach of Portugal, stated that the teenager was entitled to his moment of glory.
“Francisco is the ultimate example of earning it,” stated the president.
His readiness to contribute to the team proves he is deserving of this opportunity. The fact that he was allowed to be here demonstrates his character and his worth.
Ronaldo is in his twilight years as a top-tier player at the age of 39, but seeing his teammate Pepe play at 41 will make him feel like he still has a few big tournaments left in him.
His detractors say that Portugal is unable to advance because of his inclusion in the starting eleven; they say he becomes the team’s focal point and hinders the mobility of the attacking line.
Having spoken with Portuguese supporters in Leipzig prior to Tuesday’s match, it is evident that the vast majority have the opposite opinion.
One supporter called him “the best in the world” even after all this time, and another, Marta, remarked that Ronaldo’s impact on the squad extends far beyond his on-field performance.
“He is still important because he has the motivation and the spirit and he unites the team,” according to her.
His significance extends beyond the team. One may say he is a unifying symbol.
He missed several scoring opportunities in the match against the Czech Republic. Jindrich Stanek made two saves from him in the first half, and then he had a header saved by the crossbar in the second half.
Fans were on the edge of their seats, cameras poised, as Ronaldo had a free-kick 25 yards out, but Stanek made a comfortable save. Ronaldo is still a headline attraction.
Experience with Ronaldo is crucial for Portugal says Fernandes
On the other hand, his colleagues value his experience more than they need him to score goals.
“We all know that it is important to have experienced players, like Cristiano Ronaldo,” stated Bruno Fernandes, a midfielder for Manchester United.
Among all of the competitors, Pepe has the most experience. They are obviously very important to us.
Ronaldo, among the greatest players of all time, has much more to offer at this level.
“No matter what, if Ronaldo plays well or the team plays well, he always finds a chance,” stated Cesc Fabregas, a former midfielder for Spain, on BBC One.
His level of self-care is unparalleled. He needs only a split second of breathing room to seize the opportunity. When compared to his performance in previous years, his current play is leagues above.
While Shearer lauded Ronaldo’s motivation, he did imply that, for the team’s sake, he may need to settle for a less part in a few games.
“This is key to whether Portugal can go on and win the competition, because if he accepts he cannot play 90 minutes every game that will go a long way to them winning this,” according to him.
In the mornings after competitions, when you’re hurting but still want to win, when you’re hungry and just want to be the best, I feel it all.
“Everyone speaks in glowing terms about his attitude, it is phenomenal.”
In the buildup to the tournament, Ronaldo had praised the current crop of Portuguese players, claiming they were deserving of a repeat performance of Portugal’s 2016 title.
If his remarks and enthusiastic reaction to Conceicao’s winner indicate that he prioritizes the team’s interests above his own, then Portugal has every reason to be successful in Germany.