Portugal’s head coach Roberto Martinez has confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the starting lineup for their final Euro 2024 group game against Georgia. Despite already securing a place in the round of 16 after victories over Czechia and Turkey, Martinez emphasized the importance of Ronaldo playing to maintain his competitive rhythm.

Ronaldo’s participation in the match was a topic of speculation, as some thought he might be rested ahead of the knockout stages. However, Martinez laid these rumors to rest during his pre-match press conference. “I can say that tomorrow the captain will be in the starting eleven. It’s important that he plays,” said the former Everton boss. Martinez highlighted that Ronaldo, who has had a consistent season with many minutes on the field, needs to keep up his competitive momentum rather than taking a break and then trying to get back into form six days later.

Maintaining competitive rhythm for Portugal

Martinez also mentioned that Diogo Costa would be starting alongside Ronaldo. “The captain and Diogo Costa are two players who are in the starting eleven,” he added. This decision shows Martinez’s strategy to ensure that his key players stay sharp and ready for the more challenging stages of the tournament. Maintaining this rhythm is crucial for players like Ronaldo, who thrive on regular game time to stay at their best.

In Portugal’s 3-0 victory over Turkey, the match was marred by security breaches. Six separate pitch invaders managed to make it onto the field, attempting to take selfies with Ronaldo. This incident raised concerns about player safety and stadium security. UEFA has since assured that they are working on improving their security measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.

Addressing the issue of pitch invasions, Martinez said, “As for the invasions, Ronaldo is an experienced player. He has been with the national team for over 20 years. He knows the support well, and the fans are not just national team supporters, but football fans. I hope there are no invasions because it is dangerous, it is not good for the image of football and it is not a part of the game that we want to see.”

The safety of players is a top priority, and ensuring a secure environment allows them to focus on their performance without distractions. Fans play a significant role in the atmosphere of the game, but their actions must not endanger the players or disrupt the match.

Portugal will aim to finish the group stage with a perfect record by defeating Georgia on Wednesday night. This match is crucial for maintaining their momentum and entering the knockout stage on a high note. With Ronaldo leading the team, fans are hopeful for another strong performance. Securing three wins out of three would not only boost team morale but also send a strong message to their potential opponents in the knockout rounds.

Ronaldo’s leadership and experience are invaluable to the team, and his presence on the pitch inspires confidence among his teammates. As one of the most accomplished players in the world, his ability to perform under pressure is a key asset for Portugal. The match against Georgia is an opportunity for Ronaldo to continue his impressive form and for Portugal to showcase their strength as a team.

Portugal’s final group match against Georgia will see Ronaldo starting, as confirmed by head coach Roberto Martinez. The decision underscores the importance of maintaining competitive rhythm for key players ahead of the knockout stages. The match against Georgia is also an opportunity for Portugal to secure a perfect group stage record. As they look forward to the knockout rounds, ensuring player safety and maintaining strong performances will be key to their success in Euro 2024. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how Ronaldo and his teammates perform as they continue their quest for European glory.