FOOTBALL fans are convinced that Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo made the wrong decision in allowing France to score the first penalty in Friday’s Euro 2024 quarter-final shootout.
Penalties were needed to separate Portugal and France in the round of 16 clash, after a goalless draw.
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Ronaldo appeared to have won the mandatory toss before penalties, meaning he could choose whether his team would go first or second.
Yet, perhaps unexpectedly, he wanted France to fire the first shot.
Les Bleus won 5-3 after substitute João Félix hit the post with his shot.
And many fans believe Ronaldo’s decision to give up his first shot played a big part in the result.
One person took to social media to comment: “I know penalties are luck and luck (except for the Germans), but there is enough sample space to show that the team that comes first most often wins. Ronaldo messed up with that.”
Another was quick to point out: “The team that plays first has about a 60% chance of winning.”
A third wrote: “I don’t know why Ronaldo let them go first on penalties. It’s a big mental barrier to come in second place.”
While a fourth said: “I’m not even kidding when I say this defeat is for Ronaldo. He won the coin toss before the penalties and could easily have opted to shoot first and put pressure on France.”
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How was Portugal’s performance at the Euros with Cristiano Ronaldo
CRISTIANO RONALDO has been a model of longevity for more than two decades in a distinguished international career.
Euro 2004
After making his international debut in 2003, Ronaldo’s first Euro came in 2004.
Ronaldo marked his Euro debut with a goal in the 2-1 defeat to Greece – his first for Portugal.
He scored the second in the semi-final victory over the Netherlands, but Portugal faced Greece again in the final, losing 1-0 in a surprising result.
Euro 2008
Ronaldo captained Portugal four years later, but Euro 2008 was the least impactful tournament he played in.
There was still time for a standout performance as Ronaldo scored once and set up two more in the group stage victory over the Czech Republic.
Euro 2012
At the time, playing for Real Madrid, Ronaldo was the top scorer at Euro 2012, with three goals, including two in the group stage against the Netherlands.
Portugal’s quarter-final game against the Czech Republic was heading towards a stalemate with 10 minutes remaining and they needed a special moment on their part.
His powerful header in the final minutes took Portugal to the semi-finals, where they lost on penalties to Spain.
Euro 2016
Ronaldo scored three goals at Euro 2016 as Portugal crowned CHAMPIONS after beating France 1-0 in extra time in the final.
After suffering an injury in the first 16 minutes against France, he was forced to watch from the sidelines.
Even so, the Portugal captain became a cheerleader and helped coach his teammates to the historic victory.
He equaled Michel Platini’s record of nine goals at the end of Euro 2016.
Euro 2020
Ronaldo made history again with FIVE goals at Euro 2020, the most by any player at Euros.
However, it was undoubtedly Portugal’s least exciting game as they were eliminated in the round of 16 following a 1-0 defeat to Belgium.
With his goals in this tournament, Ronaldo became the European Championship’s top scorer with 14 goals.
France will now face Spain in the semi-finals.
Earlier this week, Ronaldo confirmed that Euro 2024 would be his last European Championship.
He told RTP: “Without a doubt it is the last Euro [for me]course is.
“But I’m not thrilled about it. I’m thrilled with everything that football involves, with the enthusiasm I have for the game, with the enthusiasm I see in the fans, with my family here, with the passion of the people… it doesn’t matter if It’s about leaving the world of football. What else can I do or gain?”
Roberto Martinez refused to comment on the 39-year-old’s future after the match.
The Portugal coach said: “It’s too early and difficult after the game to talk about it and no individual decisions have been made.”
Who is the sexiest star at Euro 2024?
EURO 2024 has something for everyone, from stunning goals, exciting games… and the continent’s greatest players, writes Jack Figg.
Several stars lit up the group stage with their skills on the pitch, but others also caught the eye with their appearance.
But who is the sexiest?
Fortunately, AI experts performed an analysis of the facial attractiveness of all players in the tournament.
And it’s bad news for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions, who are fourth UGLIER in the competition – one place below Scotland.
In fact, it is England’s group rivals Serbia who have most fans swooning – boasting an average score of 77.90/100, with Strahinja Pavlovic’s defense considered the most attractive.
Although Turkish defender Mert Muldur was rated as the tournament’s best, MORE BEAUTIFUL player.
But who is England’s sexiest star and who is the Euros’ most attractive XI? Read our full story.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
