SUMMARY
- Frank LeBoeuf suggests Portugal could secure their second European title in Germany by excluding Cristiano Ronaldo
- LeBoeuf's critical remarks on Ronaldo seem harsh, given his Euro 2024 qualifiers performance.
Euro 2024 is only a few months, and the experts’ opinion about the strongest contenders has already started rolling in. Euro 2000 winner, Frank LeBoeuf, has come out with the strongest statement yet about the 2016 winners, Portugal.
Frank LeBoeuf claims that Portugal could win their second European title in the upcoming showcase in Germany. However, they must drop Cristiano Ronaldo to win the title over other big contenders like England, France, Germany, and Belgium.
Frank LeBoeuf claims Portugal can win Euros without Cristiano Ronaldo
LeBoeuf talked about Portugal to BetVictor: “For me, Portugal are actually one of the contenders for this summer’s European Championships. I actually think they can win the Euros, but only if Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t play.” The ex-Chelsea player explained by adding that Ronaldo has done so much for the sport but there is an end to everyone.
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The strong opinion didn’t sit well with the online fans who came out strong with pushback against LeBoeuf. A fan brought back World Cup 2022 in the picture by commenting, “This is literally what happened with the World Cup and they lost so how about they keep Ronaldo.” Another fan claimed, “Portugal ain’t winning anything w/o CR7.”
LeBoeuf also became a target for the angry fans who labeled him a fan comment standing out: “Whoever thinks Cristiano doesn’t play an important role in any football club or national team, is a clown.” While others make fun of his name with comments like: “Who is this Frank Buffalo”?
LeBoeuf’s comments about Ronaldo can be considered harsh, especially after the forward’s contribution in the qualifiers of the Euro 2024. The Portuguese forward scored 10 goals in nine appearances in the qualifiers to help Portugal qualify with a perfect record.
Roberto Martinez talks about Portugal’s chances at Euros
Portugal has been rejuvenated under the management of Roberto Martinez. The Spanish manager took over the national team after the World Cup and has helped shift the squad’s momentum ahead of an important tournament.
All set for EURO 2024! 🤩#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/QXnMaOBeBZ
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) December 2, 2023
After the World Cup, it was unclear how Portugal could utilize their depth of experience and exciting young talent but Martinez has done an exceptional job in such a short time to establish Portugal as among the top contenders for the tournament.
Martinez has previously talked about the chances of his side in the upcoming tournament. He stated that he considered himself to play to utilize four generations in one squad. He added that the Euros will be a demanding tournament but details will be important to help them stand out against other big contenders.
Martinez named France, Germany, Belgium, and England as the big four going into the tournament. Portugal can easily be added to this list to make it five big contenders for the upcoming tournament in Germany and by the looks of it, Cristiano Ronaldo is set to play a major part in it for Portugal.