“If I did know, I wouldn’t say” - Bernardo Silva offers opinion on Cristiano Ronaldo taking free-kicks for Portugal at Euro 2024

Bernardo Silva has shared his opinion on Cristiano Ronaldo taking free-kicks for Portugal ahead of their Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against France. The match is set to take place at Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, Germany, on Friday, July 5.

In Portugal's Round of 16 clash against Slovenia, which ended in a 3-0 win on penalties for the Selecao, Ronaldo was unable to convert the free-kicks he took into goal contributions. He has scored 52 free-kick goals in his club career so far.

About Cristiano Ronaldo taking free-kicks for Portugal at Euro 2024 following the match against Slovenia, Bernardo Silva said at a press conference (via O Jogo):

"I’m not going to say, because I don’t know yet. And if I knew it wouldn't say... [laughs] We realize that criticism is part of the business, that's why we make so much money. We do not complain, it is for good and evil our work. It is the passion. In June, everyone knows a little bit of football, everyone imagines himself as a coach. We accept that. Cristiano is human, he felt emotion when he missed the penalty."

"It happens, it's acceptable. Sometimes you react in ways you don't expect. He felt like he could have done better. In my opinion, it's a great penalty and a great defense of Oblak. It’s the way to deal with emotions," added the 29-year-old midfielder.

Ronaldo, who is yet to score in Euro 2024, has provided one assist in the ongoing edition of the continental competition.

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Cristiano Ronaldo on Portugal's upcoming Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against France

After a goalless extra-time, the Euro 2024 Round of 16 clash between Portugal and Slovenia went into a penalty shootout. Selecao goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved all three shots from Slovenia, taken by Josip Ilicic, Jure Balkovec, and Benjamin Verbic.

Portugal, meanwhile, converted all three of their penalties, taken by Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva to advance to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.

About his side's upcoming clash against France, which he feels will be a war, Ronaldo said (via O Jogo):

"We’re going to have a tough game now against France, which is one of the favorites to win. But we go to war, the team is fine and I will always do my best with this shirt. I missed the penalty but I wanted to be the first to score, because we have to take responsibility. I’ve never been afraid to face things as always."

Portugal won the UEFA European Championship in 2016 by beating France (1-0) in the final after being runners-up on home soil in 2004.