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After Šeško failed to retire Ronaldo, Merino succeeded (VIDEO)
🇸🇮 Slovenia /Sports

After Šeško failed to retire Ronaldo, Merino succeeded (VIDEO)

From Delo · () Slovenian

Translated from Slovenian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Spain defeated Portugal 1-0, and Belgium beat the USA 4-1 in the World Cup, forming the third quarterfinal pair: Spain vs. Belgium.
  • Commentators discussed Cristiano Ronaldo's likely final World Cup appearance after Portugal's elimination.
  • The commentary also touched on Spain's attacking limitations despite strong midfield and wing play, and FIFA's decision regarding Folarin Balogun.

Spain and Belgium have advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals, setting up a match between the two nations. Spain secured their spot by defeating Portugal 1-0, while Belgium convincingly beat the USA 4-1.

Spain has no true center forward. Oyarzabal is an excellent attacker, but he is not at the level Raul, Torres, or David Villa were.

— Jernej SuhadolnikCommenting on Spain's attacking limitations despite their strong midfield and wing play.

In a Delo studio discussion, football show host Rok Tamše and commentator Jernej Suhadolnik analyzed Portugal's exit, which likely marked the end of Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career. Suhadolnik noted that while Mikel Merino's actions in America effectively sent Ronaldo into international retirement, a feat Benjamin Šeško did not achieve in 2024. Suhadolnik suggested Ronaldo, considered one of the greatest footballers ever, deserved a farewell match.

What Benjamin Šeško failed to do in Germany in 2024, Mikel Merino succeeded in America: he sent Ronaldo into representative retirement.

— Jernej SuhadolnikDrawing a parallel between Slovenian player Benjamin Šeško and Mikel Merino in relation to Cristiano Ronaldo's likely international retirement.

Suhadolnik also offered a more human perspective on Ronaldo, describing him as not arrogant despite his on-field demeanor, a view reportedly confirmed by those who know him. He recalled Ronaldo's influential presence on the sidelines during Portugal's 2016 European Championship victory due to injury, emphasizing his leadership.

He probably played his last match, unless they prepare some kind of farewell for him. He would have deserved it. After all, he is one of the best footballers of all time.

— Jernej SuhadolnikSpeculating on Cristiano Ronaldo's future in international football after Portugal's World Cup elimination.

The commentators also discussed Spain's performance, with Suhadolnik pointing out their lack of a true center forward, comparing current players unfavorably to past legends like Raul, Torres, and David Villa. He acknowledged Spain's strong wingers and midfielders but highlighted a deficiency in "clinical efficiency in attack."

No matter how arrogant he may seem on the field, I don't think he is, and people who know him confirm this.

— Jernej SuhadolnikDescribing Cristiano Ronaldo's personal character, contrasting it with his on-field persona.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delo in Slovenian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.