Former Manchester United star Nani is expressing his delight with the manner in which Cristiano Ronaldo silenced his critics in the final match of the Euros as he scored two spectacular goals needed to qualify Portugal to the knockout stage.
Advertisement
The 31-year-old refused to take questions from journalists in the post-match press conference, and instead read a statement following an interview with UEFA. “They are a tough team”.
“Obviously I am disappointed that we conceded three but we were a bit unlucky with the bounce on two of them”.
Bjarnason came off the bench to tear forward on the break and set up Arnor Ingvi Traustason’s victor with the final kick of the match, eliminating Austria and securing second place above Portugal to seal a last-16 clash against England.
Austria, of the ninety-five shots he has attempted in European Championship and World Cup finals since 2004 – the most of any player, and forty-one more than second-placed Thierry Henry – thirty-six have been free-kicks.
“The hours before the game are always hard for the players and I don’t think it’s a good idea they mix with journalists because things like this may happen”, he said.
The Croatians, who came from behind to beat Spain with a makeshift team, left their coach Ante Cacic spoilt for choice after reserve striker Nikola Kalinic and several other fringe players shone.
What started with a belittling of Iceland following their draw got worse after he missed a penalty in the stalemate with Austria.
Needing a win to advance, Sweden failed to create enough quality opportunities.
“This is the present generation’s chance of a lifetime and we will only be remembered if we do something big here”. “We are giving everything”.
“Everyone knows Cristiano and what he is capable of doing at any time, in any minute, in a game”, said Nani.
Although he uses a 4-4-2 for Cristiano Ronaldo’s benefit, Fernando Santos says he does not make decisions based on his captain’s needs. “I am happy because the team was in dire straits”.
“In this phase of the competition there are no easy opponents and we probably got the most hard ones”, he added.
Advertisement
He added: “We are one of the best teams here and, if our midfield wins the battle in the centre of the pitch, we should win”.
