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Ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy criticized Cristiano Ronaldo for having little impact in Euro 2024. Portugal were eliminated from the tournament after losing 3-5 on penalties to France in the quarter-finals on Friday (July 5).
The Portuguese icon missed a few big chances during the game, including a crucial shot in the first half of extra time when he shot the ball over the crossbar after receiving it from Conceicao in the penalty box.
After his big miss, co-commentator Murphy shared his thoughts on Cristiano Ronaldo's performance while speaking on BBC. He considered Goncalo Ramos a substitute for Ronaldo, questioning the coach's decision to keep the 23-year-old on the bench.
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"I'd be having conversations with the manager. It does seem ridiculous at times that he keeps Ronaldo on when he is having no impact. He [Goncalo Ramos] kind of must be thinking, what was he brought here for?" Murphy said.
Cristiano Ronaldo had an underwhelming run in the Euro 2024 as he failed to score for Portugal for the first time in any international tournament. He also missed a crucial penalty against Slovenia in the Round of 16, although he helped his team qualify for the quarters after their 3-0 win on penalties.
Chris Sutton criticized Cristiano Ronaldo following his performance against Slovenia in Euro 2024 Round of 16
Football pundit and former player Chris Sutton shared a similar viewpoint to Murphy after watching Ronaldo's performance against Slovenia in the Euro 2024 Round of 16 on July 1.
He wrote in his Daily Mail column that Ronaldo's performance was shrouded in selfishness, though he believed the 39-year-old has had one of the best careers in football.
"Nobody is disputing that Ronaldo had the most magnificent career imaginable. But on Monday night, he looked like the kid who brings the ball down to the local park and then when he's had enough, he sticks it up his jumper and goes home so no one else can play," Sutton wrote.
He also hinted that Bruno Fernandes is a better choice for Portugal for taking free kicks and that it was selfish of Cristiano Ronaldo to take every free kick for his team.
"It was a performance shrouded in selfishness, becoming more embarrassing every time he fluffed a free-kick while Bruno Fernandes stood idly by," he added.
Sutton believed that Cristiano Ronaldo breaking down after missing a crucial penalty in extra time is a testament to him crumbling under pressure.
"The tears that followed his penalty miss were proof that the pressure can get to even the greatest players. In the end, the shootout saved Ronaldo, who handled the heat by scoring his own spot kick," Sutton wrote.
Cristiano Ronaldo recently announced that Euro 2024 was his last appearance in the tournament. He leaves as its all-time top goalscorer (14).
