Ronaldo fails to score, Portugal eliminated from EURO 2024

The second quarter-final match of EURO 2024 is the match between Portugal and France. After the opening whistle, the French team suddenly increased the speed of the match, playing emotional football. They dominated the midfield thanks to the mobility of Kante - Tchouameni - Camavinga. However, France also only relied on Mbappe's acceleration.

France dominated the first half but they gradually lost the game to Portugal. The Iberian representatives defended patiently. Midfielders like Bruno and Vitinha both worked hard to drop deep to block the opponents. They only allowed the French team to have a notable long-range shot from Theo Hernandez but Costa still played excellently.

On the other side of the front line, the problems of the Portuguese team are nothing new. They are struggling with the attacking options named Cristiano Ronaldo. The 39-year-old player is completely outclassed when competing with powerful central defenders like Upamecano or Saliba. Bruno and Silva are diligent in sending many passes into the penalty area but their teammates cannot take advantage.

In the second half, the French team remained loyal to their pragmatic style of play. After about 15 minutes, a series of opportunities came to both teams. In the 61st minute, Cancelo advanced and made a very good pass to Bruno Fernandes, the Man Utd midfielder was not sharp enough even though he faced Mike Maignan in the penalty area. After that, Cancelo continued to shoot skillfully but could not score.

In the 63rd minute, Rafael Leao made a difficult cross, Vitinha rushed in to shoot but it was still not dangerous enough to defeat Maignan. As if awakened by the opponent's warning, the French team rose up strongly.

In the 66th minute, Kounde put Kolo Muani in a good position. However, the PSG striker still missed the chance when his shot was blocked by Ruben Dias. Camavinga also had the right to regret because he kicked the ball out in a good position in the penalty area. In the remaining time, both teams could not score and the match entered extra time.

In the first 15 minutes, the most notable play belonged to Portugal. Conceicao dribbled very well and his cross was also impressive. Inside, Ronaldo sent the ball into the air even though he was only 5 meters from goal.

After 120 minutes of play, the two teams entered a penalty shootout. Joao Felix was the only one to miss, while all five French players successfully took their shots. Portugal lost the penalty shootout 3-5, watching France advance to the semi-finals of EURO 2024.

Line-up

Portugal: Costa, Cancelo, Pepe, Dias, Mendes, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Palhinha, Bernardo Silva, Leao, Ronaldo.

France: Maignan, Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez, Kante, Tchouameni, Grienzmann, Kolo Muani, Camavinga, Mbappe.