Former Czech Republic international Patrick Borg says Cristiano Ronaldo will be a big weakness for Portugal if he starts Euro 2024.
Portugal in Group F will play their first match against Borg's hometown side Czech Republic on 18 June. On April 5, the former Czech midfielder, who played in Euro 1996, told Boyle Sports: "I would be very happy if Cristiano Ronaldo started in the Czech Republic in the European Championship. Portugal have a great team that can win even without Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting lineup. If Ronaldo doesn't start, they have a better chance. If he was on the bench, I would be more worried about the Czech team.
Borg believes that in the 2022 World Cup, Portugal should use Cristiano Ronaldo as a substitute in every game. If they do, Portugal could reach the final to fight Argentina for the title.
In the 2022 World Cup, Ronaldo started all three group games and scored only one goal through penalties. He came off the bench for just 17 minutes in the 6-1 win over Switzerland in the first knockout round, and then came off the bench for 39 minutes in the 1-0 defeat to Morocco as the team reached the last eight.
Borg believes Ronaldo's best time for Portugal was in the last 25 minutes. He said that Ronaldo always had chances, so playing less time would not have much impact on the team. "If Cristiano Ronaldo in Qatar two years ago had been on the bench, Portugal would have fared better. But it's hard not to start him because of his personality and other reasons," Borg added. 'Even though he's one of the best players of all time, his age is a hindrance. ”
Cristiano Ronaldo holds the national team's scoring record, scoring 128 goals in 206 games. In the 23-24 season, the 39-year-old goalscorer scored 42 goals in 41 games, including two recent hat-tricks.
In Euro 2016, Ronaldo scored 2 goals in the group stage and 1 goal in the semifinals. In the 25th minute of the final, he had to go off early due to injury, but Portugal still beat France to win the title thanks to Eder's goal.
In addition to the Czech Republic, Portugal will face Turkey and Georgia in the same group. A total of 24 teams participated in this European Championship, divided into 6 groups. The top two teams from each group and the four best group finishers will advance to the knockout round.