Euro 2024: Ronaldo, Top Player & VAR Controversies

The Euro 2024 tournament in Germany has reached its final eight teams, and the excitement is palpable. On Friday, football fans can expect some of the most thrilling match-ups in the quarterfinals: France vs. Portugal, Spain vs. Germany, Switzerland vs. England, and the Netherlands vs. Turkey on one side of the bracket.

ESPN FC's writers have been following every twist and turn of this unpredictable tournament, providing insights into standout players—both good and bad—unexpected surprises, controversial decisions, underdogs rising to prominence, giants falling short of expectations, and much more.

Ronaldo’s performance has been a topic of intense debate among our experts. While Gab Marcotti suggests that despite his less-than-stellar showing so far, coach Roberto Martínez should stick with him at center-forward due to a lack of alternatives, Mark Ogden argues for benching Ronaldo after his disappointing performance against Slovenia.

James Olley also supports benching Ronaldo, claiming that Portugal performed better without him during the previous World Cup and this tournament, citing his 20 shots so far that have resulted in no goals, including a missed penalty.

Meanwhile, Julien Laurens proposes a compromise: start Ronaldo but take him off after an hour if it becomes clear he can't play full games anymore, suggesting Diogo Jota or Ramos as replacements who might add fresh energy to Portugal's attack in later stages.

The analysts have also scrutinized the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) system, which has become a crucial component of contemporary football tournaments. They generally concur that the system is performing as expected, given its responsibility to swiftly and consistently make definitive decisions on subjective issues. However, they also identify shortcomings such as minimal contact penalties and marginal offsides that require revision in the current regulations.

On the question regarding standout performers Jamal Musiala Nico Williams Pepê Manuel Akanji and William Saliba all got mentions for their impressive performances so far. Conversely, Phil Foden Cristiano Ronaldo Kylian Mbappé Álvaro Morata Harry Kane Gianluca Scamacca Kai Havertz Rasmus Højlund Memphis Lukaku Lewandowski was named as a disappointment, with a lack of goals and missed chances being common complaints.

Looking ahead to the quarterfinals, Germany vs. Spain is considered by our experts to be the most anticipated match due to both teams having shown a high level of performance in the tournament till now. France vs. Portugal also garners interest, mainly due to the clash between two faces of world football, Kylian Mbappé and Cristiano Ronaldo, but some fear it might turn out cagey unless Portugal scores first, pushing France into more proactive play.

The Netherlands vs. Turkey is picked as an interesting tie because it's expected to be different from typical quarterfinal matches, while England vs. Switzerland doesn't seem to generate much enthusiasm among our analysts.

So, buckle up! The last three rounds of Euro 2024 promise thrilling football action, culminating in the crowning a new champion on July 14th.