Portugal boss Roberto Martinez will continue to let those on the field decide whether “one in 60” Cristiano Ronaldo should remain on free-kick duty.
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Article continues below
Article continues below
- CR7 dominated set-pieces vs Slovenia
- Struggled to hit the target & missed a penalty
- Coach happy to let players make calls
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner attracted criticism during a Euro 2024 last-16 outing against Slovenia as he continued to stand over set-pieces despite failing to trouble the target with most of his efforts. The all-time great almost missed an extra-time penalty that left him in tears.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Ronaldo is, however, one of the best to ever do it and remains a talismanic figure as captain of his country. He will be given the opportunity to discuss free-kick plans with the likes of former Manchester United team-mate Bruno Fernandes whenever a dead-ball situation presents itself.
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WHAT MARTINEZ SAID
Quizzed on whether Ronaldo will be asked to step aside during a quarter-final clash with France, Martinez told reporters: “The players practice in training. Cristiano and Bruno Fernandes are the two players who have the responsibility. Sometimes it just depends on the profile, or the position, or the moment, but we are lucky to have two players of such a level.”
- Getty
DID YOU KNOW?
Former England international Gary Lineker is among those to have suggested that Ronaldo should be stood down, telling the podcast: “Bruno Fernandes is a better free-kick taker and a more varied free-kick taker than Ronaldo. So while he’s [Ronaldo] a massive strength, he can also be a weakness as well.”
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