Portugal Vs. France not just Ronaldo Vs. Mbappe

Portugal’s Euro 2024 quarterfinal against France isn’t only about Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe, says Bernardo Silva.

By Rob Dawson

Jul 04, 2024 07:23 PM

HAMBURG, Germany — Portugal ‘s Euro 2024 quarterfinal against France is not just about Cristiano Ronaldo versus Kylian Mbappé , according to Bernardo Silva .

The game taking place at Volksparkstadion this Friday have Ronaldo and Mbappe face off as captains of their national teams.

The event is being billed as an “passing of the baton” from Ronaldo to Mbappe in what could be Mbappe’s final game during the European Championship.

Silva has played alongside each player, and insists that the game is more than an individual match.

“It’s not about Kylian and Cris, it’s about Portugal and France,” Silva spoke at a press gathering on Thursday.

“They are in different stages in their career. Cristiano is among the most talented players has ever been, and Kylian is at the early or middle stages to his playing career. Most important isn’t on them, it’s concerning Portugal as well as France.”

Silva was a former teammate from Mbappe at Monaco But Silva said that their friendship would be suspended for a single day.

“He is a wonderful player,” said the Manchester City midfielder.

“I would like to hope for the best for his future But not for tomorrow. This is a fantastic chance to get an inch closer to the goal we have always wanted,, which is to be crowned the winner. I don’t believe there’s an ideal team. Two national teams that have amazing players. We have to perform at a high level in order to take on France.”

Portugal was criticized after their round-of-16 match against Slovenia in which they were required to score penalties to secure their qualification for the quarterfinals following an 0-0 draw.

Although his insistence on substituting Ronaldo has been challenged, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez insists that every decision he takes is for the benefit of his team.

“Criticism is part of the job,” the man said.

“I have all the information I need, and my staff and I are preparing each game. The criticism shows how passionate the players are for the national team, and we can accept the fact that.

“I look at the players each day and take decisions. I’m not focusing on myself. My role is to make sure that the players performing as well as they can. That’s the way I’ll go about it.”