The early low-stakes stages of Euro 2024 are long gone, with the competition now reaching the quarter-final stage.
Along with a Euro 2024 final-worthy Germany v Spain match-up, a titanic clash between Portugal and France awaits.
The winner-takes-all contest pits Real Madrid’s new big name star Kylian Mbappe up against their record scorer, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Mbappe on Ronaldo
Mbappe was asked about this match-up during his pre-game press conference, and talked of his total respect for the Portugal icon, the world record international goalscorer.
He is quoted via Mais Futebol: “It’s an honour to play against him, everyone knows how much I admire Cristiano. We still keep in touch, he always tries to give me advice, which is good.
“No matter what’s behind us or what happens, he will continue to be a legend of the game, but we hope to win.”
The Frenchman added that he cannot possibly compete with Ronaldo in the long run, and just wants to be himself.
He said: “We have to know how to appreciate what he was and what he is. He is a unique player, there will be no other like him. He left his mark on a good number of generations, he knew how to reinvent himself and I respect him a lot.
“I want to follow my own path. I am lucky to have the opportunity to start my dream of playing for Real Madrid, but I am not going there to continue writing Cristiano’s story. I also hope to do something unique in Madrid, but it will be different from him.”
Mbappe respect for Bruno Fernandes
Mbappe was at pains to point out that Portugal are, with respect, more than simply Cristiano Ronaldo, just like his France side are not just reliant on his threat.
He named Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes among the players he considers ‘dangerous’ to his team.
Mbappe said: “When you play against a team like Portugal, it’s dangerous to focus on one player, because they are good in every position. We usually talk about Cristiano Ronaldo, but he is far from alone.
“Rafael Leão is a danger, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, my former teammates at PSG… they are all dangerous.
“We shouldn’t focus on one player. When you ignore great players, you usually pay dearly.”
Bruno Fernandes has been a regular goalscorer and goal provider for Portugal, although has found it a little tougher to make an impact this tournament, with just one goal and no assists so far.
You could say he is ‘due’ a goal contribution or two, and with so much focus inevitably on Ronaldo, don’t be surprised if the Manchester United captain steals the show.