“We’re going to war” - Cristiano Ronaldo sends emphatic message ahead of Euro 2024 quarter-final vs Kylian Mbappe-led France

Cristiano Ronaldo has sent an emphatic message ahead of the Euro 2024 quarter-final against Kylian Mbappe's France. Portugal secured a 3-0 win on penalties against Slovenia in the Round of 16 on July 1, at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany.

Following a goalless 90 minutes, Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty in extra time (105 minutes) after Slovenian defender Vanja Drkušić committed a foul on Diogo Jota inside the box. The match headed to a penalty shootout after both sides did not open their scoring in the entirety of extra time.

Slovenia took the first kick and Josip Iličić missed it while Ronaldo successfully netted his attempt. Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved the next two penalties taken by Jure Balkovec and Benjamin Verbič respectively.

Portuguese midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva converted their penalties, taking their nation to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.

After the victory against Slovenia, Cristiano Ronaldo spoke about Portugal facing France and Kylian Mbappe in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals on July 5, at Volksparkstadion, in Hamburg, Germany. Referring to the upcoming challenge in the tournament as "war", the 39-year-old forward 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 sweater. 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 have won the UEFA European Championship once in 2016 while France have claimed it twice in 1984, and 2000.

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Antoine Griezmann asks fans to stop comparing Kylian Mbappe with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi

French forward Antoine Griezmann urged people to stop comparing Kylian Mbappe with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. In an interview published by BFM RMC Sport, the Atletico Madrid star said:

"Kylian is making his career, his path. We have to separate the two, stop comparing one to the other. Even with Leo (Messi) or another player. Everyone writes their story."

Both Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo have not been at their best form during Euro 2024. The 25-year-old Frenchman's penalty goal against Poland in the group stage on June 25, marked to be his first-ever goal in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo's wait for a goal at Euro 2024 continues after the missed penalty vs Slovenia.