In group of death Ronaldo holds key
Lviv, Ukraine: Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo said his side could spring a surprise at Euro 2012 and “has the advantage of not being favourite” as they prepare to tackle Germany on Saturday.
“I am not nervous. we feel fine — though maybe the tension will rise by tomorrow being the day of the match. yet now I am not nervous — the team is in good shape and well prepared,” he insisted.
Earlier, coach Paulo Bento had refused to answer questions about the effect of media criticism following some poor warm-up form — including last week’s loss at home to Turkey.
Ronaldo, who first sprang to international prominence in the Euro 2004 run to the final where Greece beat Portugal in the final, dismissed the broadsides.
“I am very saddened by the criticism — but no, we are well prepared,” said Ronaldo, who was on the losing side twice against the Germans in major finals the third-place play-off in the 2006 World Cup and the Euro 2008 quarter-finals.
“We are in a very tough group” which also includes Holland and Denmark “along with very technically gifted teams. But we must play without pressure and take pleasure in it.
“Portugal’s advantage is that we are not one of the favourites, hence there is less pressure.”
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