Cristiano Ronaldo did not score in Portugal’s opening match against the Czech Republic. There are currently rumors that he will have to sit on the bench in the match against Türkiye.

In the match against the Czech Republic, superstar Cristiano Ronaldo played 90 minutes. Although his teammates created many dangerous opportunities, CR7 still could not shake the rival net. Although Ronaldo did not play badly, with the status of the top candidate for the championship, it is difficult for Portugal to go far if its main striker continues to miss important opportunities.

Ronaldo failed in the match against the Czech Republic, but the overall performance was quite good (Photo/source: Getty).

Before Portugal began their journey to EURO 2024, there was a lot of controversy surrounding Ronaldo’s participation in their sixth EURO. Former French player Frank Leboeuf said that 18 months playing in Saudi Arabia had reduced the bravery and class of the owner of 5 Ballon d’Or titles. Leboeuf also stated that with Ronaldo it is difficult for Portugal to go far, let alone win the European Championship. 2024.

Frank Leboeuf’s statements caused coach Roberto Martínez to speak in defense of Ronaldo: “Cristiano Ronaldo entered the national team because of his achievements, not just because of his name. Cristiano scored 50 goals in 51 games, leading the club to the tournament. And don’t forget that he scored 10 goals in our qualifying round.”

“Cristiano Ronaldo is an excellent scorer and for us he is someone who can take advantage of every opportunity. He has the ability to stretch the opposing defense and create space. Even over the years, his style of play has changed a little, but I “affirm that Ronaldo absolutely deserves to be in the national team.”

However, Ronaldo’s performance and achievements that were not expected in the match against the Czech Republic may make coach Martínez reconsider. According to sources from the newspaper A Bola, the possibility that CR7 will have to sit on the bench when Portugal faces Türkiye in the second match, which will take place at 11:00 p.m. on June 22, is entirely possible.

This newspaper also said that coach Martínez will carefully consider the impact of this decision. Against the Czech Republic, Ronaldo played the entire match. Against Türkiye, CR7 has two options: he can start the game on the bench and enter the field at the start of the second half, or if Ronaldo starts but continues to miss opportunities, he may have to leave the field before the end of the game. Minute 60.

Ronaldo runs the risk of having to sit on the bench in the next matches (Photo/source: Getty).

Ronaldo’s current situation has many similarities with what happened in the 2022 World Cup. In the group stage, CR7 continues to play the main role of the Portuguese team, however, upon reaching the round of 16, coach Fernando Santos decided leave Ronaldo as such. substitute for Gonçalo Ramos in the match against Switzerland in the round of 16. When Portugal lost to Morocco in the quarterfinals, Ronaldo did not enter the field until the start of the second half.