FOOTBALL fans are convinced that Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo made the wrong decision by allowing France to take the first penalty in Friday’s Euro 2024 quarter-final shootout.
Penalties were needed to separate Portugal and France in the last-eight clash following a goalless draw.
Ronaldo appeared to win the mandatory coin toss before the shootout, meaning he could choose whether his team went first or second.
However, despite analysis suggesting the team who go first have a far higher chance of progress, he wanted France to take the first shot.
Les Bleus went on to win 5-3 after substitute Joao Felix hit the post with his effort.
And many fans believe Ronaldo’s decision to forfeit the first kick played a huge part in the outcome.
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One person took to social media to comment: “I know penalties are chance and luck (except for Germans) but there’s been enough sample space to show that the team that takes first more often than not wins. Pressure easily mounts on whoever takes second. Ronaldo fumbled this.”
Another was quick to point out: “The team that goes first has roughly a 60% chance of winning.”
A third wrote: “Idk why Ronaldo let them go first in the penalties. It’s such a mental barrier going second.”
While a fourth said: “I’m not even trolling when I say this loss is on Ronaldo. He won the coin toss before the penalties and could have easily chose to shoot first and put pressure on France.”
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How Portugal have performed at the Euros with Cristiano Ronaldo
CRISTIANO RONALDO has been a model of longevity for more than two decades in an outstanding international career.
Euro 2004
After making his international debut in 2003, Ronaldo’s first Euros came in 2004.
Ronaldo marked his Euro debut with a goal in a 2-1 defeat to Greece – his first for Portugal.
He scored his second in the semi-final win over the Netherlands, but Portugal met Greece again in the final, losing 1-0 in shock result.
Euro 2008
Ronaldo was Portugal captain four years later but Euro 2008 was the least impactful tournament he’s had.
There was still time for a standout performance, though, as Ronaldo scored once and set up two more in a group-stage win over the Czech Republic.
Euro 2012
Playing at Real Madrid at the time, Ronaldo was the top goalscorer at Euro 2012, with three goals, including a brace in the group stage against the Netherlands.
Portugal’s quarter-final against Czech Republic was heading towards a stalemate with 10 minutes to go and they needed a special moment from him.
His powerful header in the dying minutes took Portugal to the semi-finals where they lost on penalties to Spain.
Euro 2016
Ronaldo scored three goals in Euro 2016, with Portugal crowned CHAMPIONS after defeating France 1-0 in extra time in the final.
After suffering an injury inside the opening 16 minutes against France, he was forced to watch from the sidelines.
Yet the Portugal captain became a cheerleader, and helped coach his team-mates to the historic victory.
He matched Michel Platini’s record of nine goals by the end of Euro 2016.
Euro 2020
Ronaldo made history again with FIVE goals at Euro 2020, the most of any player at a Euros.
Yet it was arguably Portugal’s least exciting affair, as they exited in the Round of 16 following a 1-0 defeat to Belgium.
With his goals in this tournament, Ronaldo became the top goalscorer at the European Championship 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’s the last Euro [for me], of course it is.
“But I’m not emotional about that. I’m moved by everything that football entails, by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm I see in the fans, having my family here, people’s passion… it’s not about leaving the world of football. What else is there for me to do or win?”
Roberto Martinez refused to comment on the 39-year-old’s future after the match.
The Portugal boss said: “It’s too soon and raw after the match to talk about that and there have been no individual decisions made.”
The next international tournament takes place in the US, Mexico and Canada in 2026.
Who is Euro 2024’s sexiest star?
EURO 2024 has something for everyone from stunning goals, thrilling matches… and the continent’s biggest hunks, writes Jack Figg.
Several stars have lit up the group stages with their skills on the pitch – but others are also catching the eye for their looks.
But who is the sexiest?
Thankfully AI boffins have carried out an analysis on the facial attractiveness of all players at the tournament.
And it’s bad news for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions who are the fourth UGLIEST in the competition – one place below Scotland.
In fact it’s England’s group rivals Serbia who have fans swooning the most – boasting an average score of 77.90/100 with defender Strahinja Pavlovic deemed their most attractive.
While Turkey defender Mert Muldur has been ranked as the tournament’s BEST-LOOKING player.
But who is England’s sexiest star, and who makes the Euros’ hunkiest XI? Read our full story.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
