Cristiano Ronaldo sees no want for Portugal’s gamers to be nervous as they goal to show round their Nations League tie with Denmark.
Portugal went down 1-0 within the first leg of the Nations League quarter-final tie in opposition to the Danes on Thursday.
Rasmus Hojlund scored within the 78th minute in Copenhagen, the place Christian Eriksen had missed a penalty within the first half.
Portugal managed solely two pictures heading in the right direction and accrued simply 0.51 anticipated targets, and although Ronaldo conceded there may be pressure across the squad, he doesn’t assume the nerves are setting in.
“There’s at all times angle within the nationwide workforce. Technical elements, after all, however different issues had been missing too. That’s soccer, you’ll be able to’t at all times play effectively,” the Portugal captain stated.
“The ambiance wasn’t beneficial both. I’ve performed 50,000 dangerous video games, and so has the workforce. Our gamers, who’re used to taking part in on massive phases, have additionally performed dangerous video games. That’s a part of it.
“There’s no should be nervous. The previous is the previous. I do know there are lots of people who need us to lose, but when the few who’re there are united and have good vitality, I’m certain we’ll get a fantastic consequence.
“The air is tense. I’m not hiding it. We’re in a tense second as a result of we have to win, however that’s the gorgeous factor about soccer.
“I’m calling on the followers to be with us. Allow them to give us their energy, as a result of we’re going to attempt to do our greatest.
Amanhã não somos apenas 11 em campo, somos a força de um país inteiro. Vamos lutar com tudo o que temos para avançar. Juntos! pic.twitter.com/zXMPQR2Pel
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) March 22, 2025
“I’ve misplaced video games in 90 minutes, however I’ve by no means misplaced within the first leg. There are video games like that, there are dangerous days. I didn’t play in any respect the opposite day, the workforce didn’t play in any respect, nevertheless it’s a part of life.
“I need to go away with my head held excessive. If I rating, I’ll be pleased, but when I don’t rating, let another person rating, what I would like is for Portugal to win.”
Ronaldo managed solely 30 touches within the first leg, lower than another Portugal participant to begin the sport, although he did full all of his 24 passes whereas having two makes an attempt, although he didn’t hit the goal with both of them.
Portugal boasted 68 last third entries however translated that to simply 16 touches in Denmark’s field.
Ronaldo, although, defended coach Roberto Martinez, who has are available in for criticism.
“I feel it’s unfair to criticise the coach, as a result of we’re all in the identical boat,” Ronaldo added.
“We misplaced the sport and performed badly, however we’ve got the second leg. Assume constructive and assume that issues will go effectively.”
