Ronaldo still positive about Portugal
Thursday 23 August 20
Cristiano Ronaldo is still confident he will be
turning out in Austria and Switzerland when the UEFA
EURO 2008′ finals roll around next summer.
Positive approach
Despite the 1-1 draw in Armenia last night that left
Portugal four points behind Group A leaders Poland and
three adrift of Finland in second, Ronaldo saw reason
to be cheerful. "We needed the points but we are
playing at home in the next two matches and we have
everything to play for," he said. "[Armenia] ran more
than us but it was irrelevant as we created more
chances. Armenia were very confident and now we will
have to think in a more positive way."
Superb goal
In an open first half, Ronaldo’s strike ensured parity
for his side going into the interval but there was to
be no further scoring in Yerevan as the home side
stifled the visitors and could even have snatched a
late winner. The Manchester United FC starlet’s goal
was much needed as Robert Arzumanyan had put his side
in front after just 12 minutes and there was every
sign of a second coming for the hosts. Ronaldo
capitalised on a defensive mistake by slotting the
ball under Roman Berezovsky after deceiving the
goalkeeper by feigning a pass across the middle.
Tough tests
"Our goal was to win but we couldn’t take the three
points despite the team playing well," Ronaldo added.
"Armenia were in great shape, particularly during the
first half. Maybe they were physically better than us
and we know that against Portugal the opponents always
raise their game." No teams in the section will do
that more than Poland and Serbia, Portugal’s next
opponents in September. Both those sides have hopes of
qualifying but with Ronaldo on song after his 18th
international goal, expectation is still high that the
2004 hosts will be there for the 2008 party.
©uefa.com