Mbappé Praises Ronaldo Ahead of Euro 2024 Quarterfinal Clash
Anticipated Matchup
French national team captain Kylian Mbappé lauded Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of France's quarterfinal match against Portugal in the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament in Germany on Friday. France advanced by defeating Belgium, while Portugal needed penalties to overcome Slovenia in the Round of 16.
Mbappé's Admiration for Ronaldo
Mbappé, who is set to join Real Madrid, has scored only once in the tournament from a penalty kick, while Ronaldo has yet to score in four matches. In a press conference, Mbappé expressed his admiration for Ronaldo, saying, "He is unique, and there will never be another Cristiano Ronaldo. He has inspired an entire generation, scored countless goals, and won many titles. His career speaks for itself, but I hope he has an off day tomorrow."
Strategic Focus
Mbappé also emphasized the importance of not underestimating the other Portuguese players, stating, "Ronaldo is a legend, but we must be wary of all the other players who can pose a threat. Ignoring them would be a costly mistake."
France's Offensive Struggles
France has struggled offensively in their four matches, with only one of their three goals coming from a French player. In their win against Austria, an own goal contributed to their tally, which was repeated in their match against Belgium. Mbappé’s penalty in the draw with Poland was the only goal scored by a French player in the group stage.
Expectations and Preparation
Reflecting on the tournament, Mbappé said, "The European Championship is tough, and every match is decided by small details. We need to perform well both in attack and defense. Portugal has worked hard and improved a lot, so it will be a match between two teams aiming for the semifinals. I hope we deliver the performance that earns us the win."
Injury and Performance
Mbappé suffered a nose injury in France’s opening match against Austria, missing the second game against the Netherlands. He returned for the matches against Poland and Belgium wearing a protective mask. Acknowledging his less-than-optimal condition, Mbappé stated, "I don’t think I am at my physical best, but I am not making excuses. I need proper physical preparation, which will happen with my new team in the summer. We are in the quarterfinals, and I am ready to give my all to help the team. We can win the title, and I want to seize this opportunity with the other players."
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