Ronaldo’s Future in Doubt After France Defeat

Portugal's exit from Euro 2024 following their quarter-final loss to France has raised significant questions about Cristiano Ronaldo's future in major international tournaments. Despite being one of football's greatest players, Ronaldo's influence in the match was limited, failing to make a decisive impact. His missed penalty in the shootout added to the scrutiny over his ongoing role in the national team as he approaches the twilight of his career.

France, although advancing to the semi-finals, have yet to find the back of the net from open play in this tournament, relying heavily on their defensive strength and successful penalty shootout against Portugal. Their attacking struggles highlight a need for improvement if they are to contend for the championship. France’s star players have not lived up to their reputations, and coach Didier Deschamps faces the challenge of rejuvenating their offensive strategy.

Germany's surprising exit at the hands of Spain further underscored their issues with goal-scoring, despite showcasing promising young talents. The German team failed to convert their chances, highlighting a critical weakness that has plagued them throughout the tournament. This defeat marks a period of reflection and potential rebuilding for the German side as they look ahead to future competitions.

On the other hand, Spain’s Mikel Merino has emerged as an unexpected hero, continuing his family's football legacy. His performance against Germany was instrumental, leading to Spain’s progression to the semi-finals. Merino's rise is a testament to Spain's depth and ability to nurture talent, giving them a strong foundation for their title ambitions.

The quarter-finals of Euro 2024 have thus set the stage for a compelling finish to the tournament, with key players and teams facing significant challenges and opportunities. The spotlight now shifts to how France and Spain will perform in the upcoming semi-finals, and whether the questions surrounding Ronaldo and Germany will lead to significant changes in their squads moving forward.