Portugal left-back Nuno Mendes is eagerly looking forward to the opportunity to face off against France star and former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappé in the Euro 2024 quarterfinal. Having played alongside Mbappé for two seasons at PSG before Mbappé’s recent move to Real Madrid, Mendes is thrilled at the prospect of competing against the talented forward once again. In addition to sharing the field with Mbappé, Mendes is part of Portugal’s national team alongside the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, adding to the excitement of the upcoming match.
Reflecting on his time with Mbappé and Ronaldo, Mendes praised both players for their exceptional skills and game-changing abilities. Describing them as high-level and excellent players who have the capacity to make a difference at any given moment, Mendes expressed his admiration for their talent. When pressed to choose between the two superstars, Mendes humorously remarked that as a coach, he would select both without hesitation, highlighting the respect he holds for both players.
Despite the formidable opposition that France presents, Mendes affirms that he and his teammates are prepared for the task at hand. Acknowledging the quality of France’s squad, particularly mentioning the goal-scoring prowess of Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, Mendes emphasizes the importance of neutralizing their strengths while maintaining a focus on executing their own game plan. With a determined mindset and rigorous training regimen, Mendes is confident in Portugal’s ability to rise to the challenge posed by France.
As Portugal’s captain and record scorer, Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance at Euro 2024 has garnered significant attention. Despite facing challenges, including a missed penalty in the round of 16, Ronaldo’s leadership and resilience remain paramount to the team’s success. Mendes reflects on the emotional moment when Ronaldo’s penalty was saved by the Slovenia goalkeeper, highlighting the unity within the team and the unwavering support extended to all players during difficult times.
Mendes underscores the cohesion and solidarity within the Portuguese squad as a driving force behind their progress in the tournament. Drawing attention to goalkeeper Diogo Costa’s crucial saves during the penalty shootout, Mendes emphasizes the collective effort and teamwork that have propelled Portugal forward. The bond among teammates, coupled with a shared determination to overcome challenges, serves as a source of strength for the team as they prepare to face France in the quarterfinal.
Nuno Mendes’ anticipation for the showdown with Kylian Mbappé, his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, and his belief in Portugal’s capabilities underscore the team’s confidence and readiness for the upcoming Euro 2024 quarterfinal. With a focus on unity, preparation, and resilience, Mendes exemplifies the spirit of competitiveness and camaraderie that define Portugal’s campaign in the tournament.