Cristiano Ronaldo will be aiming at another record tonight when he leads Portugal against Poland in the Euro 2016 quarter-final clash billed for the Stade Velodrome Marseille, France.
Ronaldo with eight goals in the kitty (from four Euro championships) will need a goal to match Michel Platini’s all-time European Championship goal record of nine goals.
Interestingly, the three-time Ballon d’Or winner just like his rival, Lionel Messi, who announced his international retirement after last Sunday’s Copa America final loss to Chile, has never won a major title with his country.
He netted a brace in the 3-3 draw with Hungary during the group game and a repeat of that feat tonight will see him dust Platini’s goal record.
Southampton defender, Jose Fonte believes Portugal’s passage to the semi-final, which will be its fifth time depends largely on the form of Ronaldo tonight.
“He’s proved time and time again how good he is for the club and he is the best goalscorer in Portugal’s history,” Fonte told the Telegraph.
“We believe in him and we just need to make sure, with him, we can achieve what we want. We want to win it and we believe we can do it.”
The Fernando Santos-piloted side will clash with either Belgium or Wales in the next stage if it survives Poland tonight.
Meanwhile, Nani believes A Seleccao have what it takes to be in the last four.
“We know that Poland is a very strong team with experienced players like (Robert) Lewandowski, but we have to focus on the team, not (just think) about one player because any player in this game can make a difference.
“If we can control all of the pieces on the pitch, I think we will have more chance than if we (try to) control just one player. We have to be at our best, to go in with the confidence to try and win the game,” the former Manchester United star said.
and then