France captain Kylian Mbappe praises his counterpart Cristiano Ronaldo Before facing Portugal in the quarter-finals of the European Football Championship Euro 2024 In Germany tomorrow, Friday, France qualified after overcoming Belgium, while Portugal needed penalty kicks to overcome Slovenia in the round of 16.
Portugal vs France
Mbappe, who will move to Real Madrid, scored One goal in the tournament from a penalty kickWhile Cristiano Ronaldo has not scored in four matches so far.
“He is unique, there will never be another Cristiano Ronaldo,” Mbappe told a news conference. “He has inspired a whole generation, he has scored so many goals, won so many titles, his career speaks for itself, but I hope he is disappointed tomorrow.
“Ronaldo is a legend, but let’s not forget the other players who can be dangerous. We must be careful of all the players, and not focus on one specific player. If you ignore the other players, you will pay a heavy price.”
France struggled offensively in four matches, with one of their three goals in the tournament coming from one of their own players.
In the victory over Austria, a defender scored an own goal, which was repeated against Belgium in the round of 16, while the only goal scored by French players was a penalty kick by Mbappe in the draw with Poland at the end of the group stage.
“The European Championship is difficult, and every match is decided by small details. We have to do our best in attack and defence. Portugal have worked hard and improved a lot, so it will be a match between two teams who hope to reach the semi-finals, and I hope we can perform to win,” Mbappe said.
“We aspire to win the title, but the first goal is to reach the semi-finals. It’s a big step against Portugal, and at the moment we’re focused on this match, what’s happened so far, not what could happen.”
Mbappe suffered a nose injury against Austria in France’s first match of the tournament, and missed the second match against the Netherlands, before returning against Poland and Belgium wearing a protective mask.
Mbappe indicated that he has not performed at his best in the tournament so far, but he is not making excuses.
“I don’t think I’m in my best physical condition, but I’m not looking for excuses. I need to prepare well physically, which will happen with my new team in the summer. We are in the quarter-finals, and I’m ready to give everything I have to help the team. We can win the title, and I want to seize this opportunity with the rest of the players.”
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