“Other times, you play very spectacularly and you lose”.
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An intense security operation will be in place over the weekend ahead of the final, to safeguard against any hint of complacency, but Griezmann insists that the France players have played in the tournament without fear of further attacks disrupting the competition.
“There is some pressure, we have that experience from 2004”, said the coach, who formed part of a commentary team for that match 12 years ago.
“I think he is very aware this is his last opportunity to win something with his country and, knowing him like I do, that makes him even more risky”. He will be so desperate not to miss out again. There have been three heartbreak defeats in the World Cup since.
Ronaldo’s goal against Wales saw him equal Platini’s record of nine goals in Euro finals, but whereas it took the Frenchman one tournament to set his mark, it has taken the Portugal captain four to equal it.
A combination of two file pictures made on July 8, 2016 shows Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo (L) in Marseille on June 30, 2016, and France’s forward Antoine Griezmann (R) in Decines-Charpieu, near Lyon, on June 26, 2016. “I will be very happy if they say that again tomorrow”.
With his great rival Lionel Messi’s Argentina career up in the air – the Barcelona star announced his global retirement following a defeat on penalties by Chile in the Copa America final – Ronaldo has an extra incentive to win on Sunday. Where to watch online live transmission of this game?
“Just like his goal against Wales, it was an unbelievable jump and he generated incredible power”. I want to see this through.
“Cristiano’s heading ability will be a huge threat in the final too, along with Nani – another former United team-mate of mine”.
Until then, though, Germany had been the better team and it looked like France manager Didier Deschamps had gotten his starting lineup wrong for the fourth time in six games.
“The fact that we have managed to respond on the pitch gives us a bit more pride”.
“But putting together a great team takes a lot of time”. We’ve put in a lot of work in the six years since and we want to put a smile on the French people’s face. “Probabilities don’t win matches”, said the Sporting Lisbon star when asked about French hopes of a home win on Sunday.
“He has become a much more efficient player, but is still an extremely effective one”.
Getting the edge over Messi – can he do it? But they have other players who are unsafe in this area too and players who are very good at taking set pieces so it is going to be an important part of the game.
Matches early in the June 10-July 10 tournament, most notably the 1-1 draw between England and Russian Federation in Marseille, were marred by hooligan violence, but there have been no other major security problems at the a tournament.
“Ronaldo, we know him”.
The feel-good factor which now courses through France – the Champs Elysees erupted with the sound of auto horns and flag-waving locals following the victory against Germany in Marseille – now requires a victory against Portugal to secure the iconic status of Griezmann and his team-mates.
READ ALSO: Who are the richest football club owners in the world? From day one, we felt good, secure and very welcome. France is a remarkable team and if Portugal can stop relying on Ronaldo and work as a team, they will have a chance to beat France and win, but its a long shot and I don’t think they can.
It’s thanks to Ronaldo that Portugal has now triumphed in a semifinal for only the second time.
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“I judge my team by whether we play well or badly, not by whether we are pretty or ugly”, he said at one point during Euro 2016.
