Portugal came as close as could be to getting knocked out of Euro 2024 on Tuesday night as they needed penalties to overcome Slovenia and reach the quarter-finals.
Cristiano Ronaldo was again the centre of attention as he was reduced to tears after missing a penalty in extra time, but stepped up to score his spot kick in the shootout to send his side on their way.
His spot in the team remains in question, however. Many have argued whether Portugal would be a better team with him not in it, and it's a debate It's All Kicking Off! hosts Ian Ladyman and Chris Sutton have also been having.
Whether manager Roberto Martinez thinks that is another matter, while it has been suggested that the Spaniard doesn't want to take the forward out of his side because of who he is.
Sutton expresses some strong views on the latest episode of the podcast, pushing 'biggest culprit' Martinez to do more as the leader of his side and at least stop Ronaldo taking free kicks.
Ladyman, meanwhile, said it's 'obvious' that Ronaldo is calling the shots, but warned of the reaction to a potential dropping or clash with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Man001
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To Ronaldo fans, we aren't saying Ronaldo should not be playing. We saying he shouldn't do some things. E.g free kicks. Bruno for one, let him take those. Let him be humble enough to let Ronaldo take some. Ronaldo should not be finishing some matches, he shouldn't be starting other matches either. Let the coach find the right balance for his team ,then use Ronaldo properly. Look at Argentina. They didn't use Messi the first games after Scolani become coach. They wanted the team to be able to play without Messi, then Messi would be accomodated later for the benefit of the team not individuals. As long as Portugal play for Ronaldo, they will struggle to beat better teams. Ronaldo remains very important to Portugal. He has offered so much to the team, he is the main reason Portugal has remained Portugal the last 15years or so. But he should know that his time is near. He should accept a reduced role, he should let other players do certain things, he should trust the coach with his decisions. Then both Ronaldo and Portugal will be more effective and successful.