Roberto Martinez is daring to dream as Portugal put together to open their Euro 2024 marketing campaign, the place ageing star Cristiano Ronaldo has been chosen “on advantage”.
Portugal are the favourites to high Group F in Germany, opening their match towards Czechia on Tuesday earlier than dealing with Turkiye and Georgia.
Martinez’s facet had been the one group to win 100 per cent of their video games within the qualifying marketing campaign (10/10), whereas in addition they scored extra targets than another group (36).
The previous Belgium supervisor has major-tournament pedigree, too, guiding the Crimson Devils to 3rd place on the 2018 World Cup and quarter-finals at Euro 2020.
Going additional on this event stays on the forefront of the Spaniard’s thoughts.
“We should imagine, we have to dream large,” the Portugal head coach mentioned at Monday’s pre-match press convention.
“If we don’t dream large, then will probably be powerful. However we additionally owe it to everybody to play nicely.
“Tomorrow would be the proper time to point out that we’re prepared, that we are able to meet all of the expectations.
“I introduced seven shirts, not three. However now we have to put all of it on the market on the pitch for these first three matches.”
Olá, Leipzig! #PartilhaAPaixão | #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/0MQebhrhz3
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 17, 2024
Portugal have the likes of Joao Felix, Diogo Jota and Goncalo Ramos to name upon in assault, although a well-recognized face stays in Ronaldo.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner holds the report for many video games (25), most targets (14), joint-most assists on report (six – since 1972) and most editions with at the very least one objective (5) on the Euros.
Certainly, since 1972, Ronaldo has scored/assisted twice as many targets as another participant at this match: 20 in complete (14 targets, six assists). Michel Platini is second on 10 (9 targets, one help).
Ronaldo can be the European participant with essentially the most appearances at main tournaments, World Cup and Euros mixed (47), subsequently his inclusion is hardly a shock.
“Cristiano is within the nationwide group on advantage,” Martinez added. “No person will get into the nationwide group simply by having a reputation.
“Cristiano scored 51 targets in 50 video games [for Al-Nassr last season].
“For us he’s a goalscorer, somebody who could make that remaining transfer, somebody who can actually stretch defenders, actually open areas.
“Clearly, over time Cristiano has modified his approach of enjoying barely, however I can solely say that Cristiano is within the nationwide group on advantage and the numbers are there to again that up.”
Ruben Dias says Ronaldo’s affect spans additional than his affect on the pitch, nonetheless.
“I might say he represents inspiration, he represents that every part is feasible, he represents that you may dream and you’ll obtain it,” the Manchester Metropolis defender mentioned.
“It’s clearly a pleasure to have him with us on this second of his profession. He represents to us that he actually desires to win once more and he’s our captain and clearly we observe him to the tip.”
