Cristiano Ronaldo given 2/10 rating as 'atrocious' Kylian Mbappe coasts also gets low rating but Arsenal star scores highly

07/05/2024 06:09 PM

Cristiano Ronaldo’s wastefulness proved costly as Portugal were dumped out of Euro 2024.

A penalty shootout defeat to France saw Didier Deschamps’ side progress to the semi-finals where they’ll face Spain, while Ronaldo’s last European Championship ends in misery.

In a game of few chances, it always felt like a contest that would be decided by a moment of brilliance or a stroke of luck.

But despite the plethora of attacking talent on the pitch, it was the defenders from both nations who stole the show.

France’s back line – most notably Mike Maignan between the sticks – did a wonderful job of keeping Portugal at bay.

Meanwhile, Ruben Dias and the 41-year-old Pepe put Mbappe firmly in their back pocket as they kept Didier Deschamps side firmly under control.

Both sides had opportunities to clinch the win in normal time and extra-time, but it felt like a contest that could go on for days without a winner from open play, meaning that the sight of a penalty shootout was a gentle relief.

On a stale night in Hamburg, talkSPORT host Adrian Durham has given his verdict on the clash and picked out his winners and losers from Portugal v France.

‘What’s actually happening here?’

Cristiano Ronaldo has been Portugal’s goalscoring savior for so many years, but Adrian Durham questioned if Euro 2024 was part of his ‘testimonial programme’.

The legendary forward has scored goals for fun during his career, but despite having 23 shots throughout the competition, the 39-year-old failed to find the net.

Durham said: “What's actually happening here? Is this tournament part of Ronaldo's testimonial programme?

“He has so many shots sooner or later one of them will get deflected in. His effort in the first half of extra time has just about landed in Lisbon.

“That was his 23rd shot of the tournament – 0 goals. Makes Conor Gallagher look like Lionel Messi.”

Bruno Fernandes’ rating was only marginally better, with the Manchester United star given a 3/10 rating.

On Fernandes, Durham said: “Taken off after 74 minutes after doing pretty much the square root of nothing. In fairness I don't blame him, this seems to be the effect Roberto Martinez has on top players.”

On a more positive note, Rafael Leao caused plenty of problems for Jules Kounde, but there is room for improvement for 5/10 Leao.

On Leao, Durham said: “He fancied himself up against Kounde and he made it a tough night at times for the full back who's not really a full back. End product needs to be better though.”

‘Atrocious for a player of his quality’

Tipped to be the star of the show, Kylian Mbappe’s performance against Portugal summed up France’s struggles.

Despite achieving 82 shots in total, France have been limited to just three goals – a penalty and two own goals.

Given a 2/10 rating, Durham said: “His stats for this game are atrocious for a player of his quality. Do people really think the mask is to blame?

“Hopefully Real Madrid will sharpen him up cos it's been too easy to coast at Paris Saint-Germain.

“Just after the start of extra time France had their 82nd shot of the tournament yet their only goals had been a penalty and two own goals. Taken off at half time in extra time.”

On a night where defenders stole the show, 8/10 Mike Maignan was the star man for France as he pulled off a number of fine saves to keep his country in the game.

Durham said on Maignan: “Apart from one moment when it looked like he was auditioning for Strictly Come Dancing and gave away a corner, he made some good saves and proved to be a leader.”

William Saliba was the pick of the bunch in France’s defensive line as they frustrated Ronaldo and co for 120+ minutes.

After awarding the Arsenal star a 7/10, Durham said: “Considering he wasn't in the starting line up pre tournament, he's proved it was wise to pick him. Stupid booking drags his mark down though.”