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July 1 – For the first time in these European Championships, the make-up of the crowd at the Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt for the last 16 tie between Portugal and Slovenia was somewhat neutral, except of course it wasn’t (40% Portugal/Slovenia – 60% Ronaldo fans).
As always, all eyes were on the most Instagrammable person on the planet, CR7, Cristiano Ronaldo and he would have a major say in a night of high drama that would last 120 minutes plus penalty kicks.
With the roof closed on the arena, it sometimes felt like a rock concert featuring ‘CR7 and the Ronettes’ such was the screaming anytime the lead singer got near the ball. His fans had plenty of opportunities to test their lungs as Portugal bossed possession 67% to 33% but could not find the right notes.
A little session of ‘keepy-uppy’ from the main man almost brought the house down in the 15thminute, however, as the chances dried up for Portugal, the Slovenian fans started indulging in their own gamesmanship. Chants of ‘Messi, Messi’ began raining down from the Slovenian side of the stadium taunting the star man.
Rafael Leao, under pressure from Zan Karnicnik, tormented the Slovenia defence with his pace
When Ronaldo wasn’t involved, it was the left-hand side of Portugal featuring Rafael Leao and Alexandre Nuno Mendes (who is seriously quick) that looked highly imaginative, energised, and dangerous. The direct running of the pair was causing Slovenia all kinds of problems and their head coach, Roberto Martinez was close by offering encouragement in his technical area.
His counterpart, Matiaz Kek set his side up in a traditional 4-4-2 and while this might not have had the same creative flair as his opponent’s 4-3-3 it made them compact and organised. In terms of creating chances though, it was slim pickings as any opportunities would be either from a set-piece or counter-attack.
The first 45 minutes flew by with no clear-cut opportunities but lots of Ronaldo close-ups…
Source link : https://www.insideworldfootball.com/2024/07/01/portugal-ronaldo-roadshow-need-penalties-beat-slovenias-oblak-led-resistance/
Author : Paul Nicholson
Publish date : 2024-07-01 22:56:21
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