The Portuguese national team’s defeat to Georgia “tarnished” Cristiano Ronaldo’s greatness. The star nicknamed CR7 even expressed his anger. Portugal suffered a 0-2 defeat to Georgia on the last matchday of the Euro 2024 Group F preliminary round.
The Georgia vs Portugal match in the Euro 2024 schedule took place at the Arena AufSchalke Stadium on Wednesday (26/6/2024). Georgia’s pair of goals against Portugal were scored by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (2′) and Georges Mikautadze (57′ penalty). In the match against Georgia, Portugal star, Cristiano Ronaldo, was again unable to score a goal.
Quoted from the official UEFA website, Ronaldo failed to score a goal in the group stage of a major international tournament for the first time in his career. In fact, Ronaldo has a good record. He was previously able to score goals in 10 group stages of major international tournaments played (Euro 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, then at the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 World Cup).
When facing Georgia, Ronaldo was also in the spotlight. The former Real Madrid star vented his anger at referee Sandro Scharer. The reason is, Ronaldo’s shirt was pulled by Georgia defender, Luka Lochoshvili, in the penalty box area in the 28th minute. However, referee Sandro Scharer did not award a penalty to Portugal even though Ronaldo was fouled by Lochoshvili.
Ronaldo immediately expressed his anger. As a result, CR7 had to receive a yellow card from referee Sandro Scharer. It didn’t stop there, Ronaldo was also caught on camera showing his annoyance during the first half break. The former Man United striker looked angry when he entered the dressing room when the first half ended.
Meanwhile, Portugal coach, Roberto Martinez, admitted that Georgia had shown a good game when facing his players. “We tried to score a goal and we were unlucky. I think it’s not about tactics or players today,” he said. “I think it’s about the strength and intensity that Georgia showed,” said the former Belgium coach. Even so, Portugal still qualified for the last 16 of Euro 2024 as winners of Group F and will face Slovenia on Tuesday (2/7/2024).
