Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said spectators “saw something very special” when Cristiano Ronaldo opted to stop Bruno Fernandes rather than himself in their 3-0 win over Turkey at UEFA Euro 2024.
The record scorer Ronaldo scored a goal when he passed to his teammate and scored a goal ten minutes after the break to give Portugal the victory in Group F.
“A high-level striker finds one person with the goalkeeper and wants help,” said Martinez. “We saw something special today.
“It's a good example. It should be shown in higher education institutions in Portugal, that sacrifice – the fact that it's always about the team.”
Another gift for Portugal leading 3-0 🇵🇹#Euro2024 | #OPPORTUNITY pic.twitter.com/FYMYSlcEvw
– ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 22, 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo statistics
The assist was Ronaldo's 47th for Portugal and his first in four internationals, helping his side extend their impressive start to the tournament after coming from behind to beat Czechia with a 92nd-minute winner in their opening game.
Ronaldo makes his sixth appearance in the final and has started both games, although he has yet to add to his tally of 130 goals in 208 games for Portugal.
Defender Pepe also became the oldest player to ever play at the Euros when he played against Czechia. “As a neutral person watching Pepe play, you wouldn't believe he was 41 years old,” said Martinez.
“He is a good example in Portuguese football. You are a professional 24 hours a day – you train, you sleep properly. The focus is on playing another year, and then another. Then there's the love of the game and the genetics – you can't buy that.
“We played at the same level we played against Czechia, but this time we scored first. Turkiye started well but we resisted it and once we got the goal we controlled it.”
One help. One selfie of Cristiano Ronaldo 📸 pic.twitter.com/fXmrJUX7Cd
– ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 22, 2024
Portugal Euro 2024 schedule
Portugal will face newcomers Georgia on Wednesday and will play the third-placed team from Group A, B or C in the Round of 16 on July 1.
“Now we can give other players in the dressing room a game – they deserve it,” said Martinez. “This was not an easy game.
“Turkiye has a special talent but we stopped them from playing. The high tempo put it in our hands, we kept our focus and defensive focus. I'm happy to get a clean sheet.”
Source link
