Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winning goal for Portugal in Iceland (1-0), in a game in which he celebrated his 200th international match. “Triumph with a special flavor. Not just for the day it was, for the tribute, for the 200th game… To top it off with a goal, I can’t ask for more. It was spectacular, unforgettable, above all it generated around the game. I have to thank the Icelanders, the federation for the surprise. And Guinness!”, the Portuguese captain told RTP1 at the end of the game.
Assuming the game didn’t even go well for the national team and the performance wasn’t good, he complained about Iceland’s strategy: “He didn’t let play, he played low, direct, he hit a lot… It’s hard, but as the manager said now qualifiers are won here in these games we can’t always play well today was in the battle, in the war, in the suffering I want to emphasize the battle because we fought until the end, all of them, from start to finish. Congratulations are in order, it was a fighting game.”
Bee flash of Sport TV, CR7 said “it would be hypocrisy” on his part, to say he was not happy to score on this special day. “I would prefer to continue like this, because I will continue to be useful, I will continue to help, score goals and that is the most important thing. As long as I feel good and useful and see that people continue to like me and want my contribution, I will make the national always be grateful to the team, the country and our colours. I am very proud of Portugal”, said Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored his fifth goal in four Euro 2024 qualifiers.
And if Gonçalo Inácio was “very happy” with the assist he provided for CR7’s goal, Vitinha revealed that it was “an honor to play with Cristiano in this 200-game milestone, especially with his winning goal”.
Roberto Martinez praises Ronaldo’s “dedication”
CR7’s “perfect story” in the Reykjavik match was praised by the Portuguese coach, not only for what it means for him and for Portugal, but also for being “a unique celebration in the world”.
For many, Cristiano comes from a different world. What have you learned about him from meeting and working with him? “Very good question because when you’re gone you don’t know the secret. When you’re with him you understand. It’s the dedication, the desire, always trying to improve. Pepe did the same. Cristiano is an example.” “He was fantastic with Bosnia, playing the 90 minutes in two games, it didn’t surprise me. You can’t even imagine how many years he has played at this level. It’s one of the best ever,” replied Roberto Martínez.
When asked if he was considering taking the Al Nassr striker out of the game because he played less exuberantly offensively, he said no: “We play as a team. Ronaldo is well disciplined in our organization, he was in the right place. ” and the final touch was his. of a player like him, to surround him well. The energy is not the same in all games. Experience counts a lot.”
Admitting that “the mental fatigue” of the end of the season was notorious in the game with Iceland, the Spanish coach preferred to appreciate what had been achieved: “Now we have to enjoy the four victories and then rest well. Nélson Semedo has a wedding, a moment to be happy on a personal level.”. And then the preparation for the internship in September, because every internship is vital for us to grow and get better.”
Pepe and the whistles to Otávio: “Even today I congratulated António Silva”
Pepe made his debut in the Martínez era in Iceland-Portugal (0-1) and when asked to comment on the controversial whistle of Otávio, a teammate at FC Porto, in the duel with Bosnia at Estádio da Luz, he recalled that the media plays an important role in this mission. “I think you also have an important role in this regard, which is to pass on information well so that there are no doubts. When we are in the national team, we do not look at the clubs. For example, I get along very well with the [Gonçalo] Ignatius and with Antonio [Silva], even today I congratulated him on his place in the 11 best of the year in the I Liga. People have to realize that when we are in the national team, we represent everyone,” said one of Portugal’s captains.
Source: DN
