One Step Away… to win

One Step Away… to win

FPJ BureauUpdated: Thursday, May 30, 2019, 02:18 PM IST
article-image
Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo climbs a stairway as he arrives for a training session at the team's training ground in Marcoussis, south of Paris, on July 8, 2016, ahead of their Euro 2016 final football match against France. / AFP PHOTO / FRANCISCO LEONG |

London : Portugal had narrowly missed out on the trophy back in 2004 when they lost 0-1 to Greece in the final. Ronaldo, then aged just 19, was a part of that squad and is determined not to let the opportunity pass again.

“It would mean a lot. It’s something I’ve always dreamed of, to win with the national team,” the 31-year-old said.

“I have won everything at club level and the individual level, this would be a great achievement to win something for the Portuguese team.

“I believe that this is possible, as do my colleagues and the whole country also believe. We must have positive thinking because I believe that on Sunday will be the first time that Portugal will win a major trophy.”

England and Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes that the European Championship final against France is the last opportunity for Cristiano Ronaldo to win a major football trophy with Portugal and this challenge makes the Real Madrid star more dangerous.

“I think he is very aware this is his last opportunity to win something with his country and, knowing him like I do, that makes him even more dangerous. He will be so desperate not to miss out again,” Ferdinand was quoted as saying by BBC on Saturday.

“Cristiano has produced great performances for Portugal when it matters before, for example his hat-trick against Sweden in the play-off for the 2014 World Cup,” he added.

“So France will know that it is not just in a Real Madrid or Manchester United shirt that he is capable of great things, especially because it was his moment of brilliance that helped decide Portugal’s semi-final against Wales.”

Ferdinand also feels that the former will relish the opportunity of taking on the whole of France.

“Everyone in the country will be against him, but he will thrive off that hostility, and off their fear. The French know Cristiano is the player.”

RECENT STORIES

RR vs DC, IPL 2024: Kuldeep Yadav Hilariously Forces Rishabh Pant To Take DRS; Video

RR vs DC, IPL 2024: Kuldeep Yadav Hilariously Forces Rishabh Pant To Take DRS; Video

IPL 2024: KKR And RR Name Replacements For Mujeeb Ur Rahman And Prasidh Krishna

IPL 2024: KKR And RR Name Replacements For Mujeeb Ur Rahman And Prasidh Krishna

‘Every Game Is Important’: Rishabh Pant On His 100th IPL Match For DC, Gets Special Jersey From...

‘Every Game Is Important’: Rishabh Pant On His 100th IPL Match For DC, Gets Special Jersey From...

'I'm The Only Guy Who Was Lifted By Mahi Bhai After Sakshi Bhabhi': Jadeja Cracks Hilarious Joke On...

'I'm The Only Guy Who Was Lifted By Mahi Bhai After Sakshi Bhabhi': Jadeja Cracks Hilarious Joke On...

RR vs DC, IPL 2024 Match 9: Riyan Parag's Unbeaten 84 Blasts Rajasthan To 185

RR vs DC, IPL 2024 Match 9: Riyan Parag's Unbeaten 84 Blasts Rajasthan To 185