Ronaldo and Lewandowski face off for semis slot
by Agency Staff
2016-06-30 06:37:31.0
MARSEILLE — Two of Europe’s most prolific marksmen go head-to-head as Robert Lewandowski aims to end Cristiano Ronaldo’s dreams of landing a global trophy when Poland meet Portugal in the Euro 2016 quarterfinals on Thursday.
Ronaldo is one goal from even more European championship history by matching French legend Michel Platini’s record mark of nine goals in the finals. And he has already become the first player to score in four Euros and has broken the record for appearances. At 31, Ronaldo is unlikely to get a better chance for international glory with the winners facing a semifinal clash against Wales or Belgium.
Despite a double against Hungary to save Portugal’s blushes to sneak through the group stage in third place, Ronaldo has yet to catch fire in France.
"We will always have a chance," said Portugal defender Jose Fonte. We have got the best player in the world — Ronaldo — and the likes of Nani, Quaresma and Joao Mario."
Portugal were criticised for their negative approach against Croatia as for the first time in Euros history no team had a shot on target during the regulation 90 minutes. However, Fonte insists Fernando Santos’s men do not care how they play as long as they make the last four.
Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny laughed off suggestions Ronaldo is not on top form, but said he has also been impressed by Bayern Munich’s €35m recruit Renato Sanches after the 18-year-old came off the bench to win man-of-the-match against Croatia.
"Portugal are a great team, they are not just Ronaldo and some say he is not playing his best. I would still love to have him in my team," said Szczesny. "Besides Cristiano, I am impressed by Renato Sanches. Undoubtedly we have a big task ahead of us on Thursday."
Lewandowski is yet to find the net in four games in France, but kept his cool to convert from the spot as Poland progressed to their first major quarterfinal for 34 years with a 5-4 penalty shootout win over Switzerland.
"We are not worried about Robert, not at all. He felt some pain after that match but there is no doubt he will be ready for Portugal," said Poland assistant boss Hubert Malowiejski.
AFP
Cristiano Ronaldo. Picture: REUTERS
MARSEILLE — Two of Europe’s most prolific marksmen go head-to-head as Robert Lewandowski aims to end Cristiano Ronaldo’s dreams of landing a global trophy when Poland meet Portugal in the Euro 2016 quarterfinals on Thursday.
Ronaldo is one goal from even more European championship history by matching French legend Michel Platini’s record mark of nine goals in the finals. And he has already become the first player to score in four Euros and has broken the record for appearances. At 31, Ronaldo is unlikely to get a better chance for international glory with the winners facing a semifinal clash against Wales or Belgium.
Despite a double against Hungary to save Portugal’s blushes to sneak through the group stage in third place, Ronaldo has yet to catch fire in France.
"We will always have a chance," said Portugal defender Jose Fonte. We have got the best player in the world — Ronaldo — and the likes of Nani, Quaresma and Joao Mario."
Portugal were criticised for their negative approach against Croatia as for the first time in Euros history no team had a shot on target during the regulation 90 minutes. However, Fonte insists Fernando Santos’s men do not care how they play as long as they make the last four.
Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny laughed off suggestions Ronaldo is not on top form, but said he has also been impressed by Bayern Munich’s €35m recruit Renato Sanches after the 18-year-old came off the bench to win man-of-the-match against Croatia.
"Portugal are a great team, they are not just Ronaldo and some say he is not playing his best. I would still love to have him in my team," said Szczesny. "Besides Cristiano, I am impressed by Renato Sanches. Undoubtedly we have a big task ahead of us on Thursday."
Lewandowski is yet to find the net in four games in France, but kept his cool to convert from the spot as Poland progressed to their first major quarterfinal for 34 years with a 5-4 penalty shootout win over Switzerland.
"We are not worried about Robert, not at all. He felt some pain after that match but there is no doubt he will be ready for Portugal," said Poland assistant boss Hubert Malowiejski.
AFP
