Portugal’s left-back, Nuno Mendes, is looking forward to the upcoming Euro 2024 quarterfinal match against France, where he will have the opportunity to face his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate, Kylian Mbappé. Mendes, who previously played with Mbappé for two seasons, praised the French star’s talent and ability to make a difference in games. Despite now being on opposing sides, Mendes expressed his admiration for both Mbappé and his current national team teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo, highlighting their incredible skills on the field.
The Challenge of Choosing Between Two Superstars
When asked to choose between Mbappé and Ronaldo, Mendes admitted that it was a difficult decision, stating that if he were a coach, he would opt to have both players on his team. However, Mendes emphasized the importance of being ready to face Mbappé in the upcoming match, acknowledging the need to train diligently to counter the strengths of the French team. Despite the formidable reputation of Les Bleus, Mendes expressed confidence in Portugal’s capabilities, emphasizing their readiness to confront any challenges on the field.
Reflecting on France’s journey in the tournament so far, Mendes noted that the team had yet to score from open play, relying on penalties and own goals for their progress. He highlighted the goal-scoring instincts of players like Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, emphasizing the need for Portugal to be vigilant in defense and prevent their opponents from finding the back of the net. With the upcoming clash against France, Mendes stressed the importance of neutralizing the strengths of their opponents while also maintaining their own attacking strategy.
As Ronaldo prepares to face France having not yet scored at Euro 2024 outside of a penalty shootout, Mendes acknowledged the pressure on the Portugal captain to deliver a strong performance. Reflecting on Ronaldo’s emotional moment after missing a penalty in the previous match, Mendes highlighted the team’s unity and support for their star player. He emphasized the importance of standing together as a group to overcome challenges and lift each other up, illustrating the camaraderie and resilience within the Portuguese squad.
Nuno Mendes’ anticipation of the clash with Kylian Mbappé and France in the Euro 2024 quarterfinal highlights the competitive spirit and determination of the Portuguese national team. As they prepare to face formidable opponents, Mendes’ insights into the team’s mindset and readiness for the upcoming challenge underscore the depth of talent and unity within the squad. With the support of players like Cristiano Ronaldo and the collective strength of the team, Portugal remains poised to face whatever obstacles come their way in pursuit of victory in the tournament.
Leave a Reply