“Ronaldo is lucky”, “Wouldn’t start for any other team” - Fans question Cristiano Ronaldo inclusion in Portugal line-up for Euro 2024 knockout clash

A section of fans seem disappointed with Cristiano Ronaldo's inclusion in Portugal's Euro 2024 lineup to face Slovenia in the Round of 16 on Monday (July 1) in Frankfurt.

Ronaldo is yet to score in three games in the tournament but has provided an assist. He has been named by Roberto Martinez in A Selecao's starting XI, but some fans aren't happy with that.

The Selecao have gone for a traditional 4-3-3 lineup, with Rafael Leao, Cristiano and Bernardo Silva in the attacking lineup. Bruno Fernandes, Palhinha and Vitinha are set to grace the midfield, while Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Pepe and Nuno Mendes complete the backline.

Netizens on X (formerly Twitter) Ronaldo's inclusion in the line-up for of the Round of 16 fixture. Many feel he wouldn't start for any other team and called him lucky to be included despite his recent performances. Here are some of the reactions:

"Portugal has a good squad. Their striker is the one making them look mid." a fan wrote.

"Why ronaldo is playing?" another fan asked.

"Penaldo starting??? Its over for Portugal" a third one added.

"Ronaldo disaster class again" a user commented.

"They want to win and they start Ronaldo?" a user mocked.

"Ronaldo starts ,Portugal are going home." a netizen predicted.

"It's time to accept that Ronaldo is old, give chance to younger lads" a fan suggested.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been the starting striker for Portugal in all three of their games in the group stage. Although he's yet to open his account in Euro 2024, he recorded an assist in the 3-0 win over Turkey.

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Cristiano Ronaldo's performances at Euro 2024 so far

Portugal v Slovenia: Round of 16 - UEFA EURO 2024 (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score in the group stages of a major international tournament for the first time in 11 major tournaments. The Portuguese talisman started for the Selecao against Czech Republic, Turkey and Georgia and helped his team to two wins en route topping the group.

In the opening match against Czechia, Portugal won 2-1, but Cristiano failed to impress. He had only three shots on target and missed one big chance. He recorded a SofaScore rating of 7.1, but a lot more was expected from the five-time Ballon D'or winner.

In Portugal's next fixture against Turkey, Ronaldo stepped up and performed better than in his previous Euro 2024 fixture, getting a 7.7 SofaScore rating. The highlight of the game was Ronaldo's brilliant assist to Bruno Fernandes in the 56th minute, as he smoothly passed the ball across Turkish goalkeeper Bayindir to set up the goal. However, he had only one shot on target.

After wins against Czechia and Turkey, Portugal secured their spot in the Euro 2024 Round of 16 as group winners. Boss Roberto Martinez rested many of his regular starters against Georgia in their final group game, but Ronaldo featured as a starter.

The Al-Nassr star failed to impress once again as Georgia won 2-0. Cristiano Ronaldo demanded a penalty after a potential foul on him but was instead shown a yellow card. He recorded a 6.3 SofaScore rating and was subbed off in the 66th minute, which was the first time he was replaced at Euro 2024.

If Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. beat Slovenia in the Round of 16, they face France in the quarterfinal on Friday (July 5) in Hamburg.