Cristiano Ronaldo displayed visible frustration during Portugal’s 2-0 defeat to Georgia in the final group stage match at Euro 2024. Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown explained that Ronaldo’s anger was directed at himself, not at his teammates or manager.
Brown defended Ronaldo, highlighting that his frustration stemmed from his high personal standards. During the 66th minute of the match, Ronaldo was substituted by Goncalo Ramos after receiving a booking for dissent earlier. His disappointment was evident as he left the field, upset with his own performance.
On Reach’s new podcast Euro Thrash, available on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify, host Nubaid Haroon discussed Ronaldo’s visible rage with Brown. Haroon noted Ronaldo’s anger, to which Brown confidently explained that Ronaldo’s reaction was typical of his competitive nature. Brown emphasized that Ronaldo was disappointed about not scoring or assisting, rather than being angry with others.
Ronaldo’s continuous participation in every group-stage game has been controversial, especially as the 39-year-old veteran has been chosen over younger players and hasn’t been rested. With only one assist in three matches, his performance at the tournament has been underwhelming.
Despite their defeat to Georgia, where goals from Kvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze went unanswered, Portugal topped Group F due to earlier victories over Czechia (2-1) and Turkey (3-0). They will face Slovenia in the round of 16 on Monday. If they progress, Roberto Martinez’s squad will play the winner of the France vs Belgium match in the quarter-finals, and could face either Spain, Georgia, Germany, or Denmark in the semi-finals.
