Former Liverpool player Don Hutchison made the bold claim about the Portuguese giants during the show Football Extra.
"This game was disappointing for Portugal. Despite the defeat, they would have finished first in the group stage. Resting Ronaldo could have refreshed him for the knockout stage, where he could potentially have made a bigger impact. Now, he is disappointed and also on the yellow card,” explained Hutchison, who is a Euro 2024 expert panelist on Sony Sports.
"By keeping Ronaldo on the bench, coach Roberto Martínez could have tested his team's depth. Had the scoreline been reversed, Ronaldo could have been introduced as a super sub, which would have been of little benefit to Portugal. Now, the concern. "The point is that Ronaldo has played three consecutive games without rest and Portugal could face France in the quarter-finals of the tournament," he added.
The round of 16 matches of Euro 2024 will begin on Saturday, June 29 at 9:30 PM IST, with Switzerland facing defending champions Italy. Watch all the live action of the 'biggest football tournament of the year' UEFA Euro 2024 only on Sony Sports Network.
"This game was disappointing for Portugal. Despite the defeat, they would have finished first in the group stage. Resting Ronaldo could have refreshed him for the knockout stage, where he could potentially have made a bigger impact. Now, he is disappointed and also on the yellow card,” explained Hutchison, who is a Euro 2024 expert panelist on Sony Sports.
"By keeping Ronaldo on the bench, coach Roberto Martínez could have tested his team's depth. Had the scoreline been reversed, Ronaldo could have been introduced as a super sub, which would have been of little benefit to Portugal. Now, the concern. "The point is that Ronaldo has played three consecutive games without rest and Portugal could face France in the quarter-finals of the tournament," he added.
The round of 16 matches of Euro 2024 will begin on Saturday, June 29 at 9:30 PM IST, with Switzerland facing defending champions Italy. Watch all the live action of the 'biggest football tournament of the year' UEFA Euro 2024 only on Sony Sports Network.
