As the Euro 2024 semi-finals approach, the entire European football scene is immersed in an atmosphere of tension and excitement. In the early morning of July 10, Beijing time, the Spanish team and the French team will have a fierce battle on the green field, bringing a visual feast to the fans. However, before the official start of the tournament, there was already a storm outside the stadium of the European Championship, with a variety of news and controversies adding to the drama of the huge sporting event.
Portugal were unfortunately eliminated by France in the quarter-finals of the European Championship, which made their captain Cristiano Ronaldo end his sixth European Championship journey with 0 goals in 5 games. This result has undoubtedly made people pay more attention and discuss this former figure. Former national team teammate Fonte said unceremoniously in an interview that it was time for Ronaldo to retire from the national team, and he should make room for young players and give them the opportunity to show their talent. This remark undoubtedly caused an uproar in Portuguese football. After all, Ronaldo, as a representative figure of Portuguese football, his status and influence are irreplaceable. However, Fonte's words also provoke reflections on the length of an athlete's career. In competitive sports, when to abdicate and make way for the virtuous is indeed a question worth pondering.
England, meanwhile, made it to the semi-finals, but their performance did not satisfy everyone. In particular, their number one striker, Kane, only touched the ball nine times in the first half in the quarter-finals against Switzerland, which was undoubtedly the lowest figure in the game. This also made the British media "Goal.com" fiercely criticize him, calling him a "lazy Kane", and even risking becoming England's version of Ronaldo. Such an assessment is undoubtedly a huge pressure on Kane, and it also makes people question his status and role in the team. After all, as the team's captain and all-time top scorer, his performance has a direct impact on the overall strength of the team.
However, England manager Gareth Southgate is confident of his team's path to progress. In response to questions about England's signing, he was adamant: "We have such an opponent because we are top of the group. His words reveal a sense of confidence and pride in the team's quality. Indeed, in competitive sports, strength is the most powerful response. No matter how the outside world doubts and criticizes, as long as the team can speak with strength on the field, then all doubts will disappear.
In the French team, Mbappe's injuries and performances have also been the focus of attention. He left the pitch in the first round of the group stage with a hit to his nose, which also raised concerns about his form. However, after his comeback, he put on a protective mask and continued to play for the team. Although he has yet to achieve anything in this European Championship, the French players are full of confidence and anticipation for him. Former Parisian team-mate Muani said that it would be difficult for Mbappe to play with a mask because he tried it himself and couldn't see anything at all. However, he was full of praise for Mbappe's talent and leadership, believing he was born to move the team forward.
Outside the Euros, there is still a farce going on. According to Sky Sports Germany, more than 300,000 people have petitioned online on an online platform, hoping that the quarter-finals of the European Championship between Germany and Spain can be replayed. The request undoubtedly made people empathize with the anger and frustration of the German fans. In that game, Germany equalized late in regulation time but were beaten by Spain in extra time. However, in extra-time, Musiala hit Cucurella's arm with a shot that referee Taylor did not blow for a penalty, which also sparked a huge controversy. Outraged by this, German fans launched a petition on online platforms demanding a replay of the match. However, such an act looks more like a farce. After all, in competitive sports, the outcome of a match is determined by the performance on the field, not by the petition of the fans.
In the European Championship, every team and every player is fighting for their dreams and glory. They use their sweat and hard work to write their own legendary stories. However, outside the arena, there are countless controversies and turmoil constantly surging. These controversies and turmoil not only test the will and quality of the players, but also make people think more deeply about the spirit and value of sports competition.
For Cristiano Ronaldo, whether he should retire from the national team is indeed a question worth pondering. As an iconic figure in Portuguese football, his status and influence are irreplaceable. However, he should also be aware that every athlete has their own career length, and when to step down to make way for Hyun is a question that needs to be faced bravely. If he can really make room for young players and give them the opportunity to show their talent, it will undoubtedly be a huge contribution to Portuguese football.
As for Kane, he also needs to respond to doubts and criticism from the outside world with his performance. As England's captain and all-time top scorer, his performances have a direct impact on the overall strength of the team. If he can really find his form in the next games and contribute to the team, then he will undoubtedly prove his worth and quality.
In the French team, Mbappe's injuries and performances have also been the focus of attention. Although he has yet to achieve anything in this European Championship, the French players are full of confidence and anticipation for him. They believe that as long as Mbappe can regain his form, then he will be able to bring more victories and glory to the team.
As for the German fans' petition for a rematch, although it looks like a farce, it also reflects their disappointment and dissatisfaction with the result of the match. However, in competitive sports, the outcome of a match is determined by the performance on the field, not by the petition of the fans. The German team needs to accept this fact and learn from it to be better prepared for the games ahead.
As the semi-finals of the European Championship approached, the entire European football scene was immersed in a tense and exciting atmosphere. Whether it is the fierce competition on the field, or the controversy and turmoil outside the stadium, it adds a bit of drama to this grand sporting event. However, regardless of the outcome, every team and every player has left their own legend on the European Championship stage. They have written their own chapters with their sweat and hard work, and have also brought countless joys and excitement to the fans.
In the days to come, let's continue to follow the European Championship and witness the glorious moments of every team and every player. Whether they win or lose, they deserve our respect and praise. Because they interpret the spirit and value of sports competition with their actions, they also bring us countless surprises and touches.
At the same time, we are also looking forward to more new stars coming to the fore at the European Championship and bringing more surprises and joy to the fans. After all, every player has the potential to be the next legend at the European Championships, as long as we give them enough attention and support.
As the semi-finals approach, the European Championship will become more intense. Whether it is an old strong team or an emerging force, they will start a fierce battle on the green field. And we, as fans, will continue to accompany them, witness every moment, feel every passion and glory. Because that's the European Cup, that's the beauty of football!
In the coming days, let's look forward to the exciting matchups in the semi-finals of the European Championship and cheer for every team and every player. Whatever the outcome, they will be our pride and pride. Because they interpret the true meaning of sports competition with their own actions, and also bring us countless joys and touches. Let's look forward to the fact that the flame of the European Cup will continue to burn and bring us more surprises and passions!