What happened: Gavi said criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo comes from outside the dressing room, while his teammates continue to respect him. He called Ronaldo one of football’s greatest players and said he can still change a match at any moment.

Why it matters: The comments reinforce Ronaldo’s standing among fellow players amid scrutiny of his role and performances. Gavi’s defense also draws a distinction between public criticism and sentiment inside the dressing room.

What to watch: Attention now turns to whether Ronaldo can deliver another decisive performance as the competition advances.