- Portugal Could Benefit From Cristiano Ronaldo Starting From The Bench Against France
Portugal will face France on Friday for a place in the semi finals of the ongoing Euros. France saw off Belgium 1-0 in the Round of 16, while Portugal had to defeat Slovenia in a shootout.
Diogo Costa’s brilliance during the shootout saved the 2016 Champions, after Cristiano Ronaldo failed to inspire his side to a win in normal and extra time.
It might be time for Roberto Martinez to try something else up front, especially against a strong side like France.
There is no doubt about Cristiano Ronaldo’s quality, or his importance to the Portuguese side. However, he just hasn’t been at his best at this tournament.
The Al Nassr striker has taken over 18 shots during the tournament across 4 games, and he has not scored a goal. He has managed to miss 4 big chances created for him in this tournament (1 per game), and that is not the efficiency we know him for.
A Different Approach Could Unsettle France
Also, Crsitaino Ronaldo makes Porugal a bit predictable in attack. In their last game against Slovenia, Ronaldo was the focal point of everything Portugal were trying to do in the final third. The crosses were being cut out in time, passing lanes to him were blocked easily.
Benching Ronaldo against France could make Portugal a little more unpredictable in attack. They have quick attackers like Rafael Leao, Joao Felix, Goncalo Ramos, Diogo Dalot, Bernando Silva, and Chico Conceicao. With these players, they can try to play through France.
They can sit back, populate the midfield, and be quick on the counter attack because they have outstanding passers like Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes.
Lastly, Bringing on a hungry Cristiano Ronaldo against a stretched and tired France defence could be their “trump card” on Friday night in Hamburg.
Despite the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo is nearing the end of his career, most football fans won’t bet against him directly inspiring Portugal to a victory on Friday.
However, based on how he has played so far in this tournament, it might not be the worst idea to start him from the bench against a team like France.
