Portugal’s coach Roberto Martínez has issued a strong plea ahead of their upcoming Euro 2024 match against Georgia, urging fans not to breach security in attempts to reach star player Cristiano Ronaldo. Martínez emphasized Ronaldo’s pivotal role in the team, confirming that the veteran forward will indeed start in the crucial Group F fixture. This comes after a series of security breaches during Portugal’s previous match against Turkey, where six spectators illegally entered the field, seeking selfies with Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al Nassr.
Due to these incidents, UEFA has implemented heightened security measures for matches in Germany and threatened legal action against any fans attempting pitch invasions. Martínez, in a press conference, expressed concern over such disruptions, stressing the dangers and negative impact on the sport: “It is dangerous, and it is not good for football. It’s not the part of the game that we want to see.”
During the last game, Ronaldo, aged 39, indulged a young fan who managed to get onto the pitch, posing for a photo before security intervened. Despite his good-natured response, repeated incidents forced referee Felix Zwayer to halt the match until the intruders were removed, underscoring the severity of the issue.
Portugal has excelled in Euro 2024, winning all their matches so far and securing a spot in the round of 16. Despite this, Martínez remains committed to fielding Ronaldo against Georgia, aiming for a historic goal that would make him the oldest scorer in Euro finals history, surpassing Luka Modric’s record.
“I can tell you that Ronaldo will be in the starting lineup,” Martínez affirmed. “It’s important to keep his competitive level high. It’s not good to start and stop.” This decision reflects Ronaldo’s enduring impact and Martínez’s strategic approach to maintaining peak performance.
On the opposing side, Georgia’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, a winger for Napoli, expressed excitement about facing his childhood idol Ronaldo. “Ronaldo was my boyhood idol,” Kvaratskhelia remarked. “I always dreamt of playing with him.” Despite Ronaldo’s move away from European club football, Kvaratskhelia eagerly anticipates the chance to compete against him on the international stage, hoping to secure a memorable victory and perhaps exchange jerseys post-match.
Georgia, ranked 74th globally and participating in their maiden European Championship, demonstrated resilience by holding Czechia to a draw. A potential win against Portugal could propel them into the round of 16, marking a historic achievement for their footballing nation.
As both teams prepare for their encounter, the spotlight remains on Ronaldo’s quest for greatness and the broader implications of fan conduct in major tournaments. Martínez’s proactive stance underscores the need for respectful fan engagement, ensuring that the focus remains on the sport itself rather than disruptive incidents.
