HAMBURG, Germany — Cristiano Ronaldo stood amongst his teammates, fingers on hips, lips pursed, eyes searching into the Portuguese crowd behind the aim.
Rúben Dias and Nuno Mendes, the soldiers who had blunted France star Kylian Mbappé, co-led the applause. Ronaldo joined in after which turned to embrace Pepe, his sidekick in so many battles, the older brother dealing with his curtain name at 41 years of age. Pepe sobbed, Ronaldo whispered in his ear.
At that second, Ronaldo appeared identical to another of his Portugal teammates, united in disappointment. He didn’t seem like Cristiano Ronaldo, GOAT candidate. And possibly, if Portugal boss Roberto Martinez had picked up on this sooner, we would be telling a special story.
It appeared as if Martinez — by taking part in Ronaldo in each minute of each sport of this event (bar the ultimate 25 minutes in opposition to Georgia) — was extra involved with giving him alternative after alternative to put in writing one other wonderful chapter in his stellar profession than he was with really giving Portugal the very best probability of profitable.
The numbers are chilly and cruel. Ronaldo took 23 pictures on this event, the second most by any participant failing to attain within the Euros for the reason that group stage format was launched in 1980. His anticipated objectives of three.51 with out discovering the online are probably the most ever at a significant males’s event since 1980.
Perhaps Martinez checked out this, remembered that Ronaldo had scored in each main event he had performed in (5 World Cups and 5 Euros) and informed himself: “Hey, he is clearly due.” If that is what occurred, he is just like the man who bets on the Washington Generals to beat the Harlem Globetrotters as a result of “they’re due.”
Sure, Ronaldo was coming off a prolific season within the Saudi Professional League and sure, regression to a imply is a factor and it is solely doable that, over time, he would have caught up along with his xG. However that is the important thing: time. It is a knockout event, stumble and there’s no tomorrow. And even the GOATs have dry spells.
And it isn’t simply the numbers, it is what Martinez’s eyes and mind have been telling him (or ought to have been telling him).
Sure, he had constructed a framework round Ronaldo that maximized his strengths and masked his weaknesses as finest he may. Rafael Leão, out on the left wing, stayed excessive when Portugal defended, so there would at all times be a speedster for the “out ball” if wanted. Bruno Fernandes was given licence to shadow into the field, nearly like a second striker. Bernardo Silva and João Cancelo would provide crosses from the appropriate. Even the nook kicks, with Pepe and Ronaldo tying up the opposing centre-backs, appeared designed for him.
It labored in qualifying; heck, it labored in opposition to France for a lot of the sport (although this may need had quite a bit to do with Didier Deschamps’ conservatism) as Portugal generated the higher possibilities. However sooner or later, absolutely it will need to have dawned on Martinez simply how a lot of a pressure Ronaldo’s lack of mobility out of possession was placing on his midfield and what number of alternatives he was failing to transform.
It may need dawned on Ronaldo, too. Early within the first interval of additional time, Francisco Conceição tore previous an opponent and reduce it again for him on the close to put up. A younger Ronaldo would have calmly met the ball and guided it into the highest nook. Previous Ronaldo despatched it crusing over the bar.
Moments later, out of the blue, he went on a one-man urgent rampage, summoning power out of the ether and sprinting at Dayot Upamecano, who brushed him apart and booted the ball away. Within the outdated days, Ronaldo would have gotten to the ball earlier than Upamecano, spun round him and buried it previous Mike Maignan. And within the unlikely occasion they obtained there on the similar time, it will have been Upamecano bouncing off him, not the opposite method round.
However to cite Slim Charles from “The Wire”: “The factor in regards to the outdated days is… they the outdated days.”
The odd factor right here is that that is one boil that had already been lanced. Ronaldo had been dropped for the knockout rounds by Martinez’s predecessor, Fernando Santos, on the Qatar World Cup simply 18 months in the past. If Santos, who had coached Portugal for eight years together with Ronaldo’s prime, who had stood alongside him once they received their first (and solely) main event at Euro 2016 (with Ronaldo, who had come off injured within the closing, standing subsequent to him like an assistant coach) may do it, why could not Martinez?
Particularly given Martinez’s personal background. He is not Portuguese and he did not develop up with the Ronaldo-as-saviour psychodrama. He is an clever coach who got here up the onerous method as each a participant and a supervisor. He was the outsider introduced in to supply a contemporary perspective.
As an alternative, he got here throughout as a man who had guzzled the Kool-Help. On an evening when Portugal have been the higher aspect — and credit score for that has to go to Martinez too, as a result of he was outcoaching Deschamps and his traditional counterattacking schtick — it appeared as if Martinez was intent on not simply advancing previous France, however doing it with Ronaldo in a starring function.
Did he not belief Gonçalo Ramos or Diogo Jota to spell him off the bench, even for a short time? Did he really feel like he wished Ronaldo to redeem himself for the missed penalty and missed late probability in opposition to Slovenia? If that’s the case, that solely makes it worse.
Partly as a result of that Slovenia sport (and the 120 minutes Ronaldo performed) ought to have been an indication of what fatigue can do at 39 years of age. And largely as a result of, Ronaldo would not want anybody to offer him something (not to mention a shot at some form of redemption). With every little thing he has achieved, he is method past that.
Was he anticipating Ronaldo to sign to the bench and say “Boss, I am exhausted, it isn’t taking place for me in the present day, let’s make a change?” That may be delusional. Elite athletes thrive on self-confidence and self-belief. Ronaldo spews it from each pore. Anticipating him to take himself out of the sport is simply foolish.
In distinction, Mbappé, who scored his first-ever European Championship aim vs. Poland through a penalty, requested to be substituted after feeling too drained to proceed in additional time.
Portugal aren’t out of the Euros as a result of Ronaldo performed 120 minutes. Let’s be clear about this. They misplaced on penalties as a result of João Félix put his in opposition to the put up and everyone else scored. And since they did not convert the assorted possibilities they created, from Leão within the first half, to Fernandes and Vitinha after the break to Mendes on the very finish of additional time.
However the best way they exit this Euros leaves a bitter style and the robust impression that Martinez obtained tunnel imaginative and prescient, believing that pushing Ronaldo entrance and heart would one way or the other protect his legacy.
Ronaldo’s legacy is safe. It would not must be preserved. Perhaps if Martinez had realized it earlier, possibly if he’d seen him as simply one other one in all his gamers — like he was on the finish, applauding the followers and consoling his teammates — Portugal can be within the semifinals.
HAMBURG, Germany — Cristiano Ronaldo stood amongst his teammates, fingers on hips, lips pursed, eyes searching into the Portuguese crowd behind the aim.
Rúben Dias and Nuno Mendes, the soldiers who had blunted France star Kylian Mbappé, co-led the applause. Ronaldo joined in after which turned to embrace Pepe, his sidekick in so many battles, the older brother dealing with his curtain name at 41 years of age. Pepe sobbed, Ronaldo whispered in his ear.
At that second, Ronaldo appeared identical to another of his Portugal teammates, united in disappointment. He didn’t seem like Cristiano Ronaldo, GOAT candidate. And possibly, if Portugal boss Roberto Martinez had picked up on this sooner, we would be telling a special story.
It appeared as if Martinez — by taking part in Ronaldo in each minute of each sport of this event (bar the ultimate 25 minutes in opposition to Georgia) — was extra involved with giving him alternative after alternative to put in writing one other wonderful chapter in his stellar profession than he was with really giving Portugal the very best probability of profitable.
The numbers are chilly and cruel. Ronaldo took 23 pictures on this event, the second most by any participant failing to attain within the Euros for the reason that group stage format was launched in 1980. His anticipated objectives of three.51 with out discovering the online are probably the most ever at a significant males’s event since 1980.
Perhaps Martinez checked out this, remembered that Ronaldo had scored in each main event he had performed in (5 World Cups and 5 Euros) and informed himself: “Hey, he is clearly due.” If that is what occurred, he is just like the man who bets on the Washington Generals to beat the Harlem Globetrotters as a result of “they’re due.”
Sure, Ronaldo was coming off a prolific season within the Saudi Professional League and sure, regression to a imply is a factor and it is solely doable that, over time, he would have caught up along with his xG. However that is the important thing: time. It is a knockout event, stumble and there’s no tomorrow. And even the GOATs have dry spells.
And it isn’t simply the numbers, it is what Martinez’s eyes and mind have been telling him (or ought to have been telling him).
Sure, he had constructed a framework round Ronaldo that maximized his strengths and masked his weaknesses as finest he may. Rafael Leão, out on the left wing, stayed excessive when Portugal defended, so there would at all times be a speedster for the “out ball” if wanted. Bruno Fernandes was given licence to shadow into the field, nearly like a second striker. Bernardo Silva and João Cancelo would provide crosses from the appropriate. Even the nook kicks, with Pepe and Ronaldo tying up the opposing centre-backs, appeared designed for him.
It labored in qualifying; heck, it labored in opposition to France for a lot of the sport (although this may need had quite a bit to do with Didier Deschamps’ conservatism) as Portugal generated the higher possibilities. However sooner or later, absolutely it will need to have dawned on Martinez simply how a lot of a pressure Ronaldo’s lack of mobility out of possession was placing on his midfield and what number of alternatives he was failing to transform.
It may need dawned on Ronaldo, too. Early within the first interval of additional time, Francisco Conceição tore previous an opponent and reduce it again for him on the close to put up. A younger Ronaldo would have calmly met the ball and guided it into the highest nook. Previous Ronaldo despatched it crusing over the bar.
Moments later, out of the blue, he went on a one-man urgent rampage, summoning power out of the ether and sprinting at Dayot Upamecano, who brushed him apart and booted the ball away. Within the outdated days, Ronaldo would have gotten to the ball earlier than Upamecano, spun round him and buried it previous Mike Maignan. And within the unlikely occasion they obtained there on the similar time, it will have been Upamecano bouncing off him, not the opposite method round.
However to cite Slim Charles from “The Wire”: “The factor in regards to the outdated days is… they the outdated days.”
The odd factor right here is that that is one boil that had already been lanced. Ronaldo had been dropped for the knockout rounds by Martinez’s predecessor, Fernando Santos, on the Qatar World Cup simply 18 months in the past. If Santos, who had coached Portugal for eight years together with Ronaldo’s prime, who had stood alongside him once they received their first (and solely) main event at Euro 2016 (with Ronaldo, who had come off injured within the closing, standing subsequent to him like an assistant coach) may do it, why could not Martinez?
Particularly given Martinez’s personal background. He is not Portuguese and he did not develop up with the Ronaldo-as-saviour psychodrama. He is an clever coach who got here up the onerous method as each a participant and a supervisor. He was the outsider introduced in to supply a contemporary perspective.
As an alternative, he got here throughout as a man who had guzzled the Kool-Help. On an evening when Portugal have been the higher aspect — and credit score for that has to go to Martinez too, as a result of he was outcoaching Deschamps and his traditional counterattacking schtick — it appeared as if Martinez was intent on not simply advancing previous France, however doing it with Ronaldo in a starring function.
Did he not belief Gonçalo Ramos or Diogo Jota to spell him off the bench, even for a short time? Did he really feel like he wished Ronaldo to redeem himself for the missed penalty and missed late probability in opposition to Slovenia? If that’s the case, that solely makes it worse.
Partly as a result of that Slovenia sport (and the 120 minutes Ronaldo performed) ought to have been an indication of what fatigue can do at 39 years of age. And largely as a result of, Ronaldo would not want anybody to offer him something (not to mention a shot at some form of redemption). With every little thing he has achieved, he is method past that.
Was he anticipating Ronaldo to sign to the bench and say “Boss, I am exhausted, it isn’t taking place for me in the present day, let’s make a change?” That may be delusional. Elite athletes thrive on self-confidence and self-belief. Ronaldo spews it from each pore. Anticipating him to take himself out of the sport is simply foolish.
In distinction, Mbappé, who scored his first-ever European Championship aim vs. Poland through a penalty, requested to be substituted after feeling too drained to proceed in additional time.
Portugal aren’t out of the Euros as a result of Ronaldo performed 120 minutes. Let’s be clear about this. They misplaced on penalties as a result of João Félix put his in opposition to the put up and everyone else scored. And since they did not convert the assorted possibilities they created, from Leão within the first half, to Fernandes and Vitinha after the break to Mendes on the very finish of additional time.
However the best way they exit this Euros leaves a bitter style and the robust impression that Martinez obtained tunnel imaginative and prescient, believing that pushing Ronaldo entrance and heart would one way or the other protect his legacy.
Ronaldo’s legacy is safe. It would not must be preserved. Perhaps if Martinez had realized it earlier, possibly if he’d seen him as simply one other one in all his gamers — like he was on the finish, applauding the followers and consoling his teammates — Portugal can be within the semifinals.
HAMBURG, Germany — Cristiano Ronaldo stood amongst his teammates, fingers on hips, lips pursed, eyes searching into the Portuguese crowd behind the aim.
Rúben Dias and Nuno Mendes, the soldiers who had blunted France star Kylian Mbappé, co-led the applause. Ronaldo joined in after which turned to embrace Pepe, his sidekick in so many battles, the older brother dealing with his curtain name at 41 years of age. Pepe sobbed, Ronaldo whispered in his ear.
At that second, Ronaldo appeared identical to another of his Portugal teammates, united in disappointment. He didn’t seem like Cristiano Ronaldo, GOAT candidate. And possibly, if Portugal boss Roberto Martinez had picked up on this sooner, we would be telling a special story.
It appeared as if Martinez — by taking part in Ronaldo in each minute of each sport of this event (bar the ultimate 25 minutes in opposition to Georgia) — was extra involved with giving him alternative after alternative to put in writing one other wonderful chapter in his stellar profession than he was with really giving Portugal the very best probability of profitable.
The numbers are chilly and cruel. Ronaldo took 23 pictures on this event, the second most by any participant failing to attain within the Euros for the reason that group stage format was launched in 1980. His anticipated objectives of three.51 with out discovering the online are probably the most ever at a significant males’s event since 1980.
Perhaps Martinez checked out this, remembered that Ronaldo had scored in each main event he had performed in (5 World Cups and 5 Euros) and informed himself: “Hey, he is clearly due.” If that is what occurred, he is just like the man who bets on the Washington Generals to beat the Harlem Globetrotters as a result of “they’re due.”
Sure, Ronaldo was coming off a prolific season within the Saudi Professional League and sure, regression to a imply is a factor and it is solely doable that, over time, he would have caught up along with his xG. However that is the important thing: time. It is a knockout event, stumble and there’s no tomorrow. And even the GOATs have dry spells.
And it isn’t simply the numbers, it is what Martinez’s eyes and mind have been telling him (or ought to have been telling him).
Sure, he had constructed a framework round Ronaldo that maximized his strengths and masked his weaknesses as finest he may. Rafael Leão, out on the left wing, stayed excessive when Portugal defended, so there would at all times be a speedster for the “out ball” if wanted. Bruno Fernandes was given licence to shadow into the field, nearly like a second striker. Bernardo Silva and João Cancelo would provide crosses from the appropriate. Even the nook kicks, with Pepe and Ronaldo tying up the opposing centre-backs, appeared designed for him.
It labored in qualifying; heck, it labored in opposition to France for a lot of the sport (although this may need had quite a bit to do with Didier Deschamps’ conservatism) as Portugal generated the higher possibilities. However sooner or later, absolutely it will need to have dawned on Martinez simply how a lot of a pressure Ronaldo’s lack of mobility out of possession was placing on his midfield and what number of alternatives he was failing to transform.
It may need dawned on Ronaldo, too. Early within the first interval of additional time, Francisco Conceição tore previous an opponent and reduce it again for him on the close to put up. A younger Ronaldo would have calmly met the ball and guided it into the highest nook. Previous Ronaldo despatched it crusing over the bar.
Moments later, out of the blue, he went on a one-man urgent rampage, summoning power out of the ether and sprinting at Dayot Upamecano, who brushed him apart and booted the ball away. Within the outdated days, Ronaldo would have gotten to the ball earlier than Upamecano, spun round him and buried it previous Mike Maignan. And within the unlikely occasion they obtained there on the similar time, it will have been Upamecano bouncing off him, not the opposite method round.
However to cite Slim Charles from “The Wire”: “The factor in regards to the outdated days is… they the outdated days.”
The odd factor right here is that that is one boil that had already been lanced. Ronaldo had been dropped for the knockout rounds by Martinez’s predecessor, Fernando Santos, on the Qatar World Cup simply 18 months in the past. If Santos, who had coached Portugal for eight years together with Ronaldo’s prime, who had stood alongside him once they received their first (and solely) main event at Euro 2016 (with Ronaldo, who had come off injured within the closing, standing subsequent to him like an assistant coach) may do it, why could not Martinez?
Particularly given Martinez’s personal background. He is not Portuguese and he did not develop up with the Ronaldo-as-saviour psychodrama. He is an clever coach who got here up the onerous method as each a participant and a supervisor. He was the outsider introduced in to supply a contemporary perspective.
As an alternative, he got here throughout as a man who had guzzled the Kool-Help. On an evening when Portugal have been the higher aspect — and credit score for that has to go to Martinez too, as a result of he was outcoaching Deschamps and his traditional counterattacking schtick — it appeared as if Martinez was intent on not simply advancing previous France, however doing it with Ronaldo in a starring function.
Did he not belief Gonçalo Ramos or Diogo Jota to spell him off the bench, even for a short time? Did he really feel like he wished Ronaldo to redeem himself for the missed penalty and missed late probability in opposition to Slovenia? If that’s the case, that solely makes it worse.
Partly as a result of that Slovenia sport (and the 120 minutes Ronaldo performed) ought to have been an indication of what fatigue can do at 39 years of age. And largely as a result of, Ronaldo would not want anybody to offer him something (not to mention a shot at some form of redemption). With every little thing he has achieved, he is method past that.
Was he anticipating Ronaldo to sign to the bench and say “Boss, I am exhausted, it isn’t taking place for me in the present day, let’s make a change?” That may be delusional. Elite athletes thrive on self-confidence and self-belief. Ronaldo spews it from each pore. Anticipating him to take himself out of the sport is simply foolish.
In distinction, Mbappé, who scored his first-ever European Championship aim vs. Poland through a penalty, requested to be substituted after feeling too drained to proceed in additional time.
Portugal aren’t out of the Euros as a result of Ronaldo performed 120 minutes. Let’s be clear about this. They misplaced on penalties as a result of João Félix put his in opposition to the put up and everyone else scored. And since they did not convert the assorted possibilities they created, from Leão within the first half, to Fernandes and Vitinha after the break to Mendes on the very finish of additional time.
However the best way they exit this Euros leaves a bitter style and the robust impression that Martinez obtained tunnel imaginative and prescient, believing that pushing Ronaldo entrance and heart would one way or the other protect his legacy.
Ronaldo’s legacy is safe. It would not must be preserved. Perhaps if Martinez had realized it earlier, possibly if he’d seen him as simply one other one in all his gamers — like he was on the finish, applauding the followers and consoling his teammates — Portugal can be within the semifinals.
HAMBURG, Germany — Cristiano Ronaldo stood amongst his teammates, fingers on hips, lips pursed, eyes searching into the Portuguese crowd behind the aim.
Rúben Dias and Nuno Mendes, the soldiers who had blunted France star Kylian Mbappé, co-led the applause. Ronaldo joined in after which turned to embrace Pepe, his sidekick in so many battles, the older brother dealing with his curtain name at 41 years of age. Pepe sobbed, Ronaldo whispered in his ear.
At that second, Ronaldo appeared identical to another of his Portugal teammates, united in disappointment. He didn’t seem like Cristiano Ronaldo, GOAT candidate. And possibly, if Portugal boss Roberto Martinez had picked up on this sooner, we would be telling a special story.
It appeared as if Martinez — by taking part in Ronaldo in each minute of each sport of this event (bar the ultimate 25 minutes in opposition to Georgia) — was extra involved with giving him alternative after alternative to put in writing one other wonderful chapter in his stellar profession than he was with really giving Portugal the very best probability of profitable.
The numbers are chilly and cruel. Ronaldo took 23 pictures on this event, the second most by any participant failing to attain within the Euros for the reason that group stage format was launched in 1980. His anticipated objectives of three.51 with out discovering the online are probably the most ever at a significant males’s event since 1980.
Perhaps Martinez checked out this, remembered that Ronaldo had scored in each main event he had performed in (5 World Cups and 5 Euros) and informed himself: “Hey, he is clearly due.” If that is what occurred, he is just like the man who bets on the Washington Generals to beat the Harlem Globetrotters as a result of “they’re due.”
Sure, Ronaldo was coming off a prolific season within the Saudi Professional League and sure, regression to a imply is a factor and it is solely doable that, over time, he would have caught up along with his xG. However that is the important thing: time. It is a knockout event, stumble and there’s no tomorrow. And even the GOATs have dry spells.
And it isn’t simply the numbers, it is what Martinez’s eyes and mind have been telling him (or ought to have been telling him).
Sure, he had constructed a framework round Ronaldo that maximized his strengths and masked his weaknesses as finest he may. Rafael Leão, out on the left wing, stayed excessive when Portugal defended, so there would at all times be a speedster for the “out ball” if wanted. Bruno Fernandes was given licence to shadow into the field, nearly like a second striker. Bernardo Silva and João Cancelo would provide crosses from the appropriate. Even the nook kicks, with Pepe and Ronaldo tying up the opposing centre-backs, appeared designed for him.
It labored in qualifying; heck, it labored in opposition to France for a lot of the sport (although this may need had quite a bit to do with Didier Deschamps’ conservatism) as Portugal generated the higher possibilities. However sooner or later, absolutely it will need to have dawned on Martinez simply how a lot of a pressure Ronaldo’s lack of mobility out of possession was placing on his midfield and what number of alternatives he was failing to transform.
It may need dawned on Ronaldo, too. Early within the first interval of additional time, Francisco Conceição tore previous an opponent and reduce it again for him on the close to put up. A younger Ronaldo would have calmly met the ball and guided it into the highest nook. Previous Ronaldo despatched it crusing over the bar.
Moments later, out of the blue, he went on a one-man urgent rampage, summoning power out of the ether and sprinting at Dayot Upamecano, who brushed him apart and booted the ball away. Within the outdated days, Ronaldo would have gotten to the ball earlier than Upamecano, spun round him and buried it previous Mike Maignan. And within the unlikely occasion they obtained there on the similar time, it will have been Upamecano bouncing off him, not the opposite method round.
However to cite Slim Charles from “The Wire”: “The factor in regards to the outdated days is… they the outdated days.”
The odd factor right here is that that is one boil that had already been lanced. Ronaldo had been dropped for the knockout rounds by Martinez’s predecessor, Fernando Santos, on the Qatar World Cup simply 18 months in the past. If Santos, who had coached Portugal for eight years together with Ronaldo’s prime, who had stood alongside him once they received their first (and solely) main event at Euro 2016 (with Ronaldo, who had come off injured within the closing, standing subsequent to him like an assistant coach) may do it, why could not Martinez?
Particularly given Martinez’s personal background. He is not Portuguese and he did not develop up with the Ronaldo-as-saviour psychodrama. He is an clever coach who got here up the onerous method as each a participant and a supervisor. He was the outsider introduced in to supply a contemporary perspective.
As an alternative, he got here throughout as a man who had guzzled the Kool-Help. On an evening when Portugal have been the higher aspect — and credit score for that has to go to Martinez too, as a result of he was outcoaching Deschamps and his traditional counterattacking schtick — it appeared as if Martinez was intent on not simply advancing previous France, however doing it with Ronaldo in a starring function.
Did he not belief Gonçalo Ramos or Diogo Jota to spell him off the bench, even for a short time? Did he really feel like he wished Ronaldo to redeem himself for the missed penalty and missed late probability in opposition to Slovenia? If that’s the case, that solely makes it worse.
Partly as a result of that Slovenia sport (and the 120 minutes Ronaldo performed) ought to have been an indication of what fatigue can do at 39 years of age. And largely as a result of, Ronaldo would not want anybody to offer him something (not to mention a shot at some form of redemption). With every little thing he has achieved, he is method past that.
Was he anticipating Ronaldo to sign to the bench and say “Boss, I am exhausted, it isn’t taking place for me in the present day, let’s make a change?” That may be delusional. Elite athletes thrive on self-confidence and self-belief. Ronaldo spews it from each pore. Anticipating him to take himself out of the sport is simply foolish.
In distinction, Mbappé, who scored his first-ever European Championship aim vs. Poland through a penalty, requested to be substituted after feeling too drained to proceed in additional time.
Portugal aren’t out of the Euros as a result of Ronaldo performed 120 minutes. Let’s be clear about this. They misplaced on penalties as a result of João Félix put his in opposition to the put up and everyone else scored. And since they did not convert the assorted possibilities they created, from Leão within the first half, to Fernandes and Vitinha after the break to Mendes on the very finish of additional time.
However the best way they exit this Euros leaves a bitter style and the robust impression that Martinez obtained tunnel imaginative and prescient, believing that pushing Ronaldo entrance and heart would one way or the other protect his legacy.
Ronaldo’s legacy is safe. It would not must be preserved. Perhaps if Martinez had realized it earlier, possibly if he’d seen him as simply one other one in all his gamers — like he was on the finish, applauding the followers and consoling his teammates — Portugal can be within the semifinals.
HAMBURG, Germany — Cristiano Ronaldo stood amongst his teammates, fingers on hips, lips pursed, eyes searching into the Portuguese crowd behind the aim.
Rúben Dias and Nuno Mendes, the soldiers who had blunted France star Kylian Mbappé, co-led the applause. Ronaldo joined in after which turned to embrace Pepe, his sidekick in so many battles, the older brother dealing with his curtain name at 41 years of age. Pepe sobbed, Ronaldo whispered in his ear.
At that second, Ronaldo appeared identical to another of his Portugal teammates, united in disappointment. He didn’t seem like Cristiano Ronaldo, GOAT candidate. And possibly, if Portugal boss Roberto Martinez had picked up on this sooner, we would be telling a special story.
It appeared as if Martinez — by taking part in Ronaldo in each minute of each sport of this event (bar the ultimate 25 minutes in opposition to Georgia) — was extra involved with giving him alternative after alternative to put in writing one other wonderful chapter in his stellar profession than he was with really giving Portugal the very best probability of profitable.
The numbers are chilly and cruel. Ronaldo took 23 pictures on this event, the second most by any participant failing to attain within the Euros for the reason that group stage format was launched in 1980. His anticipated objectives of three.51 with out discovering the online are probably the most ever at a significant males’s event since 1980.
Perhaps Martinez checked out this, remembered that Ronaldo had scored in each main event he had performed in (5 World Cups and 5 Euros) and informed himself: “Hey, he is clearly due.” If that is what occurred, he is just like the man who bets on the Washington Generals to beat the Harlem Globetrotters as a result of “they’re due.”
Sure, Ronaldo was coming off a prolific season within the Saudi Professional League and sure, regression to a imply is a factor and it is solely doable that, over time, he would have caught up along with his xG. However that is the important thing: time. It is a knockout event, stumble and there’s no tomorrow. And even the GOATs have dry spells.
And it isn’t simply the numbers, it is what Martinez’s eyes and mind have been telling him (or ought to have been telling him).
Sure, he had constructed a framework round Ronaldo that maximized his strengths and masked his weaknesses as finest he may. Rafael Leão, out on the left wing, stayed excessive when Portugal defended, so there would at all times be a speedster for the “out ball” if wanted. Bruno Fernandes was given licence to shadow into the field, nearly like a second striker. Bernardo Silva and João Cancelo would provide crosses from the appropriate. Even the nook kicks, with Pepe and Ronaldo tying up the opposing centre-backs, appeared designed for him.
It labored in qualifying; heck, it labored in opposition to France for a lot of the sport (although this may need had quite a bit to do with Didier Deschamps’ conservatism) as Portugal generated the higher possibilities. However sooner or later, absolutely it will need to have dawned on Martinez simply how a lot of a pressure Ronaldo’s lack of mobility out of possession was placing on his midfield and what number of alternatives he was failing to transform.
It may need dawned on Ronaldo, too. Early within the first interval of additional time, Francisco Conceição tore previous an opponent and reduce it again for him on the close to put up. A younger Ronaldo would have calmly met the ball and guided it into the highest nook. Previous Ronaldo despatched it crusing over the bar.
Moments later, out of the blue, he went on a one-man urgent rampage, summoning power out of the ether and sprinting at Dayot Upamecano, who brushed him apart and booted the ball away. Within the outdated days, Ronaldo would have gotten to the ball earlier than Upamecano, spun round him and buried it previous Mike Maignan. And within the unlikely occasion they obtained there on the similar time, it will have been Upamecano bouncing off him, not the opposite method round.
However to cite Slim Charles from “The Wire”: “The factor in regards to the outdated days is… they the outdated days.”
The odd factor right here is that that is one boil that had already been lanced. Ronaldo had been dropped for the knockout rounds by Martinez’s predecessor, Fernando Santos, on the Qatar World Cup simply 18 months in the past. If Santos, who had coached Portugal for eight years together with Ronaldo’s prime, who had stood alongside him once they received their first (and solely) main event at Euro 2016 (with Ronaldo, who had come off injured within the closing, standing subsequent to him like an assistant coach) may do it, why could not Martinez?
Particularly given Martinez’s personal background. He is not Portuguese and he did not develop up with the Ronaldo-as-saviour psychodrama. He is an clever coach who got here up the onerous method as each a participant and a supervisor. He was the outsider introduced in to supply a contemporary perspective.
As an alternative, he got here throughout as a man who had guzzled the Kool-Help. On an evening when Portugal have been the higher aspect — and credit score for that has to go to Martinez too, as a result of he was outcoaching Deschamps and his traditional counterattacking schtick — it appeared as if Martinez was intent on not simply advancing previous France, however doing it with Ronaldo in a starring function.
Did he not belief Gonçalo Ramos or Diogo Jota to spell him off the bench, even for a short time? Did he really feel like he wished Ronaldo to redeem himself for the missed penalty and missed late probability in opposition to Slovenia? If that’s the case, that solely makes it worse.
Partly as a result of that Slovenia sport (and the 120 minutes Ronaldo performed) ought to have been an indication of what fatigue can do at 39 years of age. And largely as a result of, Ronaldo would not want anybody to offer him something (not to mention a shot at some form of redemption). With every little thing he has achieved, he is method past that.
Was he anticipating Ronaldo to sign to the bench and say “Boss, I am exhausted, it isn’t taking place for me in the present day, let’s make a change?” That may be delusional. Elite athletes thrive on self-confidence and self-belief. Ronaldo spews it from each pore. Anticipating him to take himself out of the sport is simply foolish.
In distinction, Mbappé, who scored his first-ever European Championship aim vs. Poland through a penalty, requested to be substituted after feeling too drained to proceed in additional time.
Portugal aren’t out of the Euros as a result of Ronaldo performed 120 minutes. Let’s be clear about this. They misplaced on penalties as a result of João Félix put his in opposition to the put up and everyone else scored. And since they did not convert the assorted possibilities they created, from Leão within the first half, to Fernandes and Vitinha after the break to Mendes on the very finish of additional time.
However the best way they exit this Euros leaves a bitter style and the robust impression that Martinez obtained tunnel imaginative and prescient, believing that pushing Ronaldo entrance and heart would one way or the other protect his legacy.
Ronaldo’s legacy is safe. It would not must be preserved. Perhaps if Martinez had realized it earlier, possibly if he’d seen him as simply one other one in all his gamers — like he was on the finish, applauding the followers and consoling his teammates — Portugal can be within the semifinals.
HAMBURG, Germany — Cristiano Ronaldo stood amongst his teammates, fingers on hips, lips pursed, eyes searching into the Portuguese crowd behind the aim.
Rúben Dias and Nuno Mendes, the soldiers who had blunted France star Kylian Mbappé, co-led the applause. Ronaldo joined in after which turned to embrace Pepe, his sidekick in so many battles, the older brother dealing with his curtain name at 41 years of age. Pepe sobbed, Ronaldo whispered in his ear.
At that second, Ronaldo appeared identical to another of his Portugal teammates, united in disappointment. He didn’t seem like Cristiano Ronaldo, GOAT candidate. And possibly, if Portugal boss Roberto Martinez had picked up on this sooner, we would be telling a special story.
It appeared as if Martinez — by taking part in Ronaldo in each minute of each sport of this event (bar the ultimate 25 minutes in opposition to Georgia) — was extra involved with giving him alternative after alternative to put in writing one other wonderful chapter in his stellar profession than he was with really giving Portugal the very best probability of profitable.
The numbers are chilly and cruel. Ronaldo took 23 pictures on this event, the second most by any participant failing to attain within the Euros for the reason that group stage format was launched in 1980. His anticipated objectives of three.51 with out discovering the online are probably the most ever at a significant males’s event since 1980.
Perhaps Martinez checked out this, remembered that Ronaldo had scored in each main event he had performed in (5 World Cups and 5 Euros) and informed himself: “Hey, he is clearly due.” If that is what occurred, he is just like the man who bets on the Washington Generals to beat the Harlem Globetrotters as a result of “they’re due.”
Sure, Ronaldo was coming off a prolific season within the Saudi Professional League and sure, regression to a imply is a factor and it is solely doable that, over time, he would have caught up along with his xG. However that is the important thing: time. It is a knockout event, stumble and there’s no tomorrow. And even the GOATs have dry spells.
And it isn’t simply the numbers, it is what Martinez’s eyes and mind have been telling him (or ought to have been telling him).
Sure, he had constructed a framework round Ronaldo that maximized his strengths and masked his weaknesses as finest he may. Rafael Leão, out on the left wing, stayed excessive when Portugal defended, so there would at all times be a speedster for the “out ball” if wanted. Bruno Fernandes was given licence to shadow into the field, nearly like a second striker. Bernardo Silva and João Cancelo would provide crosses from the appropriate. Even the nook kicks, with Pepe and Ronaldo tying up the opposing centre-backs, appeared designed for him.
It labored in qualifying; heck, it labored in opposition to France for a lot of the sport (although this may need had quite a bit to do with Didier Deschamps’ conservatism) as Portugal generated the higher possibilities. However sooner or later, absolutely it will need to have dawned on Martinez simply how a lot of a pressure Ronaldo’s lack of mobility out of possession was placing on his midfield and what number of alternatives he was failing to transform.
It may need dawned on Ronaldo, too. Early within the first interval of additional time, Francisco Conceição tore previous an opponent and reduce it again for him on the close to put up. A younger Ronaldo would have calmly met the ball and guided it into the highest nook. Previous Ronaldo despatched it crusing over the bar.
Moments later, out of the blue, he went on a one-man urgent rampage, summoning power out of the ether and sprinting at Dayot Upamecano, who brushed him apart and booted the ball away. Within the outdated days, Ronaldo would have gotten to the ball earlier than Upamecano, spun round him and buried it previous Mike Maignan. And within the unlikely occasion they obtained there on the similar time, it will have been Upamecano bouncing off him, not the opposite method round.
However to cite Slim Charles from “The Wire”: “The factor in regards to the outdated days is… they the outdated days.”
The odd factor right here is that that is one boil that had already been lanced. Ronaldo had been dropped for the knockout rounds by Martinez’s predecessor, Fernando Santos, on the Qatar World Cup simply 18 months in the past. If Santos, who had coached Portugal for eight years together with Ronaldo’s prime, who had stood alongside him once they received their first (and solely) main event at Euro 2016 (with Ronaldo, who had come off injured within the closing, standing subsequent to him like an assistant coach) may do it, why could not Martinez?
Particularly given Martinez’s personal background. He is not Portuguese and he did not develop up with the Ronaldo-as-saviour psychodrama. He is an clever coach who got here up the onerous method as each a participant and a supervisor. He was the outsider introduced in to supply a contemporary perspective.
As an alternative, he got here throughout as a man who had guzzled the Kool-Help. On an evening when Portugal have been the higher aspect — and credit score for that has to go to Martinez too, as a result of he was outcoaching Deschamps and his traditional counterattacking schtick — it appeared as if Martinez was intent on not simply advancing previous France, however doing it with Ronaldo in a starring function.
Did he not belief Gonçalo Ramos or Diogo Jota to spell him off the bench, even for a short time? Did he really feel like he wished Ronaldo to redeem himself for the missed penalty and missed late probability in opposition to Slovenia? If that’s the case, that solely makes it worse.
Partly as a result of that Slovenia sport (and the 120 minutes Ronaldo performed) ought to have been an indication of what fatigue can do at 39 years of age. And largely as a result of, Ronaldo would not want anybody to offer him something (not to mention a shot at some form of redemption). With every little thing he has achieved, he is method past that.
Was he anticipating Ronaldo to sign to the bench and say “Boss, I am exhausted, it isn’t taking place for me in the present day, let’s make a change?” That may be delusional. Elite athletes thrive on self-confidence and self-belief. Ronaldo spews it from each pore. Anticipating him to take himself out of the sport is simply foolish.
In distinction, Mbappé, who scored his first-ever European Championship aim vs. Poland through a penalty, requested to be substituted after feeling too drained to proceed in additional time.
Portugal aren’t out of the Euros as a result of Ronaldo performed 120 minutes. Let’s be clear about this. They misplaced on penalties as a result of João Félix put his in opposition to the put up and everyone else scored. And since they did not convert the assorted possibilities they created, from Leão within the first half, to Fernandes and Vitinha after the break to Mendes on the very finish of additional time.
However the best way they exit this Euros leaves a bitter style and the robust impression that Martinez obtained tunnel imaginative and prescient, believing that pushing Ronaldo entrance and heart would one way or the other protect his legacy.
Ronaldo’s legacy is safe. It would not must be preserved. Perhaps if Martinez had realized it earlier, possibly if he’d seen him as simply one other one in all his gamers — like he was on the finish, applauding the followers and consoling his teammates — Portugal can be within the semifinals.
HAMBURG, Germany — Cristiano Ronaldo stood amongst his teammates, fingers on hips, lips pursed, eyes searching into the Portuguese crowd behind the aim.
Rúben Dias and Nuno Mendes, the soldiers who had blunted France star Kylian Mbappé, co-led the applause. Ronaldo joined in after which turned to embrace Pepe, his sidekick in so many battles, the older brother dealing with his curtain name at 41 years of age. Pepe sobbed, Ronaldo whispered in his ear.
At that second, Ronaldo appeared identical to another of his Portugal teammates, united in disappointment. He didn’t seem like Cristiano Ronaldo, GOAT candidate. And possibly, if Portugal boss Roberto Martinez had picked up on this sooner, we would be telling a special story.
It appeared as if Martinez — by taking part in Ronaldo in each minute of each sport of this event (bar the ultimate 25 minutes in opposition to Georgia) — was extra involved with giving him alternative after alternative to put in writing one other wonderful chapter in his stellar profession than he was with really giving Portugal the very best probability of profitable.
The numbers are chilly and cruel. Ronaldo took 23 pictures on this event, the second most by any participant failing to attain within the Euros for the reason that group stage format was launched in 1980. His anticipated objectives of three.51 with out discovering the online are probably the most ever at a significant males’s event since 1980.
Perhaps Martinez checked out this, remembered that Ronaldo had scored in each main event he had performed in (5 World Cups and 5 Euros) and informed himself: “Hey, he is clearly due.” If that is what occurred, he is just like the man who bets on the Washington Generals to beat the Harlem Globetrotters as a result of “they’re due.”
Sure, Ronaldo was coming off a prolific season within the Saudi Professional League and sure, regression to a imply is a factor and it is solely doable that, over time, he would have caught up along with his xG. However that is the important thing: time. It is a knockout event, stumble and there’s no tomorrow. And even the GOATs have dry spells.
And it isn’t simply the numbers, it is what Martinez’s eyes and mind have been telling him (or ought to have been telling him).
Sure, he had constructed a framework round Ronaldo that maximized his strengths and masked his weaknesses as finest he may. Rafael Leão, out on the left wing, stayed excessive when Portugal defended, so there would at all times be a speedster for the “out ball” if wanted. Bruno Fernandes was given licence to shadow into the field, nearly like a second striker. Bernardo Silva and João Cancelo would provide crosses from the appropriate. Even the nook kicks, with Pepe and Ronaldo tying up the opposing centre-backs, appeared designed for him.
It labored in qualifying; heck, it labored in opposition to France for a lot of the sport (although this may need had quite a bit to do with Didier Deschamps’ conservatism) as Portugal generated the higher possibilities. However sooner or later, absolutely it will need to have dawned on Martinez simply how a lot of a pressure Ronaldo’s lack of mobility out of possession was placing on his midfield and what number of alternatives he was failing to transform.
It may need dawned on Ronaldo, too. Early within the first interval of additional time, Francisco Conceição tore previous an opponent and reduce it again for him on the close to put up. A younger Ronaldo would have calmly met the ball and guided it into the highest nook. Previous Ronaldo despatched it crusing over the bar.
Moments later, out of the blue, he went on a one-man urgent rampage, summoning power out of the ether and sprinting at Dayot Upamecano, who brushed him apart and booted the ball away. Within the outdated days, Ronaldo would have gotten to the ball earlier than Upamecano, spun round him and buried it previous Mike Maignan. And within the unlikely occasion they obtained there on the similar time, it will have been Upamecano bouncing off him, not the opposite method round.
However to cite Slim Charles from “The Wire”: “The factor in regards to the outdated days is… they the outdated days.”
The odd factor right here is that that is one boil that had already been lanced. Ronaldo had been dropped for the knockout rounds by Martinez’s predecessor, Fernando Santos, on the Qatar World Cup simply 18 months in the past. If Santos, who had coached Portugal for eight years together with Ronaldo’s prime, who had stood alongside him once they received their first (and solely) main event at Euro 2016 (with Ronaldo, who had come off injured within the closing, standing subsequent to him like an assistant coach) may do it, why could not Martinez?
Particularly given Martinez’s personal background. He is not Portuguese and he did not develop up with the Ronaldo-as-saviour psychodrama. He is an clever coach who got here up the onerous method as each a participant and a supervisor. He was the outsider introduced in to supply a contemporary perspective.
As an alternative, he got here throughout as a man who had guzzled the Kool-Help. On an evening when Portugal have been the higher aspect — and credit score for that has to go to Martinez too, as a result of he was outcoaching Deschamps and his traditional counterattacking schtick — it appeared as if Martinez was intent on not simply advancing previous France, however doing it with Ronaldo in a starring function.
Did he not belief Gonçalo Ramos or Diogo Jota to spell him off the bench, even for a short time? Did he really feel like he wished Ronaldo to redeem himself for the missed penalty and missed late probability in opposition to Slovenia? If that’s the case, that solely makes it worse.
Partly as a result of that Slovenia sport (and the 120 minutes Ronaldo performed) ought to have been an indication of what fatigue can do at 39 years of age. And largely as a result of, Ronaldo would not want anybody to offer him something (not to mention a shot at some form of redemption). With every little thing he has achieved, he is method past that.
Was he anticipating Ronaldo to sign to the bench and say “Boss, I am exhausted, it isn’t taking place for me in the present day, let’s make a change?” That may be delusional. Elite athletes thrive on self-confidence and self-belief. Ronaldo spews it from each pore. Anticipating him to take himself out of the sport is simply foolish.
In distinction, Mbappé, who scored his first-ever European Championship aim vs. Poland through a penalty, requested to be substituted after feeling too drained to proceed in additional time.
Portugal aren’t out of the Euros as a result of Ronaldo performed 120 minutes. Let’s be clear about this. They misplaced on penalties as a result of João Félix put his in opposition to the put up and everyone else scored. And since they did not convert the assorted possibilities they created, from Leão within the first half, to Fernandes and Vitinha after the break to Mendes on the very finish of additional time.
However the best way they exit this Euros leaves a bitter style and the robust impression that Martinez obtained tunnel imaginative and prescient, believing that pushing Ronaldo entrance and heart would one way or the other protect his legacy.
Ronaldo’s legacy is safe. It would not must be preserved. Perhaps if Martinez had realized it earlier, possibly if he’d seen him as simply one other one in all his gamers — like he was on the finish, applauding the followers and consoling his teammates — Portugal can be within the semifinals.
HAMBURG, Germany — Cristiano Ronaldo stood amongst his teammates, fingers on hips, lips pursed, eyes searching into the Portuguese crowd behind the aim.
Rúben Dias and Nuno Mendes, the soldiers who had blunted France star Kylian Mbappé, co-led the applause. Ronaldo joined in after which turned to embrace Pepe, his sidekick in so many battles, the older brother dealing with his curtain name at 41 years of age. Pepe sobbed, Ronaldo whispered in his ear.
At that second, Ronaldo appeared identical to another of his Portugal teammates, united in disappointment. He didn’t seem like Cristiano Ronaldo, GOAT candidate. And possibly, if Portugal boss Roberto Martinez had picked up on this sooner, we would be telling a special story.
It appeared as if Martinez — by taking part in Ronaldo in each minute of each sport of this event (bar the ultimate 25 minutes in opposition to Georgia) — was extra involved with giving him alternative after alternative to put in writing one other wonderful chapter in his stellar profession than he was with really giving Portugal the very best probability of profitable.
The numbers are chilly and cruel. Ronaldo took 23 pictures on this event, the second most by any participant failing to attain within the Euros for the reason that group stage format was launched in 1980. His anticipated objectives of three.51 with out discovering the online are probably the most ever at a significant males’s event since 1980.
Perhaps Martinez checked out this, remembered that Ronaldo had scored in each main event he had performed in (5 World Cups and 5 Euros) and informed himself: “Hey, he is clearly due.” If that is what occurred, he is just like the man who bets on the Washington Generals to beat the Harlem Globetrotters as a result of “they’re due.”
Sure, Ronaldo was coming off a prolific season within the Saudi Professional League and sure, regression to a imply is a factor and it is solely doable that, over time, he would have caught up along with his xG. However that is the important thing: time. It is a knockout event, stumble and there’s no tomorrow. And even the GOATs have dry spells.
And it isn’t simply the numbers, it is what Martinez’s eyes and mind have been telling him (or ought to have been telling him).
Sure, he had constructed a framework round Ronaldo that maximized his strengths and masked his weaknesses as finest he may. Rafael Leão, out on the left wing, stayed excessive when Portugal defended, so there would at all times be a speedster for the “out ball” if wanted. Bruno Fernandes was given licence to shadow into the field, nearly like a second striker. Bernardo Silva and João Cancelo would provide crosses from the appropriate. Even the nook kicks, with Pepe and Ronaldo tying up the opposing centre-backs, appeared designed for him.
It labored in qualifying; heck, it labored in opposition to France for a lot of the sport (although this may need had quite a bit to do with Didier Deschamps’ conservatism) as Portugal generated the higher possibilities. However sooner or later, absolutely it will need to have dawned on Martinez simply how a lot of a pressure Ronaldo’s lack of mobility out of possession was placing on his midfield and what number of alternatives he was failing to transform.
It may need dawned on Ronaldo, too. Early within the first interval of additional time, Francisco Conceição tore previous an opponent and reduce it again for him on the close to put up. A younger Ronaldo would have calmly met the ball and guided it into the highest nook. Previous Ronaldo despatched it crusing over the bar.
Moments later, out of the blue, he went on a one-man urgent rampage, summoning power out of the ether and sprinting at Dayot Upamecano, who brushed him apart and booted the ball away. Within the outdated days, Ronaldo would have gotten to the ball earlier than Upamecano, spun round him and buried it previous Mike Maignan. And within the unlikely occasion they obtained there on the similar time, it will have been Upamecano bouncing off him, not the opposite method round.
However to cite Slim Charles from “The Wire”: “The factor in regards to the outdated days is… they the outdated days.”
The odd factor right here is that that is one boil that had already been lanced. Ronaldo had been dropped for the knockout rounds by Martinez’s predecessor, Fernando Santos, on the Qatar World Cup simply 18 months in the past. If Santos, who had coached Portugal for eight years together with Ronaldo’s prime, who had stood alongside him once they received their first (and solely) main event at Euro 2016 (with Ronaldo, who had come off injured within the closing, standing subsequent to him like an assistant coach) may do it, why could not Martinez?
Particularly given Martinez’s personal background. He is not Portuguese and he did not develop up with the Ronaldo-as-saviour psychodrama. He is an clever coach who got here up the onerous method as each a participant and a supervisor. He was the outsider introduced in to supply a contemporary perspective.
As an alternative, he got here throughout as a man who had guzzled the Kool-Help. On an evening when Portugal have been the higher aspect — and credit score for that has to go to Martinez too, as a result of he was outcoaching Deschamps and his traditional counterattacking schtick — it appeared as if Martinez was intent on not simply advancing previous France, however doing it with Ronaldo in a starring function.
Did he not belief Gonçalo Ramos or Diogo Jota to spell him off the bench, even for a short time? Did he really feel like he wished Ronaldo to redeem himself for the missed penalty and missed late probability in opposition to Slovenia? If that’s the case, that solely makes it worse.
Partly as a result of that Slovenia sport (and the 120 minutes Ronaldo performed) ought to have been an indication of what fatigue can do at 39 years of age. And largely as a result of, Ronaldo would not want anybody to offer him something (not to mention a shot at some form of redemption). With every little thing he has achieved, he is method past that.
Was he anticipating Ronaldo to sign to the bench and say “Boss, I am exhausted, it isn’t taking place for me in the present day, let’s make a change?” That may be delusional. Elite athletes thrive on self-confidence and self-belief. Ronaldo spews it from each pore. Anticipating him to take himself out of the sport is simply foolish.
In distinction, Mbappé, who scored his first-ever European Championship aim vs. Poland through a penalty, requested to be substituted after feeling too drained to proceed in additional time.
Portugal aren’t out of the Euros as a result of Ronaldo performed 120 minutes. Let’s be clear about this. They misplaced on penalties as a result of João Félix put his in opposition to the put up and everyone else scored. And since they did not convert the assorted possibilities they created, from Leão within the first half, to Fernandes and Vitinha after the break to Mendes on the very finish of additional time.
However the best way they exit this Euros leaves a bitter style and the robust impression that Martinez obtained tunnel imaginative and prescient, believing that pushing Ronaldo entrance and heart would one way or the other protect his legacy.
Ronaldo’s legacy is safe. It would not must be preserved. Perhaps if Martinez had realized it earlier, possibly if he’d seen him as simply one other one in all his gamers — like he was on the finish, applauding the followers and consoling his teammates — Portugal can be within the semifinals.