It is a very well known fact that Ronaldo does not like to lose and sometimes he does go off script during press conferences. Last night was one such instance after his Portugal team were held to a spirited draw by Euro newcomers Iceland.
The Real Madrid star and 3 time Ballon D ‘Or winner was a man devoid of patience during his post-match interview as the media began to sharpen their pencils waiting for his response. It eventually came in a tone synonymous with that of a person not familiar with facing setbacks.
“Iceland didn't try anything. They were just defend, defend, defend and playing on the counter-attack. It was a lucky night for them. We should have three points but we are okay. I thought they'd won the Euros the way they celebrated at the end.”
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“It was unbelievable. When they don't try to play and just defend, defend, defend, this in my opinion shows a small mentality and they are not going to do anything in the competition.”
This was not something that completely strayed from the usual but one of the rare occasions Ronaldo crossed the thin line separating disappointment and anger. Iceland no doubt put up an admirable fight and were well worthy of their point.
A response from their camp was inevitable and it came from their defender Kari Arnason. Arnason called the Portuguese forward a ‘sore loser’. Speaking after the game he said, “He’s just a sore loser, He didn’t want to lose the game. What does he expect - for us to play like Barcelona against him? He fannies about and dives around. Obviously, we were the underdog, we played like the underdog and we were unlucky not to win the game.”
Portugal will have to put this game behind them and concentrate on the ones ahead. It will be a big shock if they do not manage to get out of their group. But there are only tougher assignments to come for Ronaldo and his team.
Both Austria and Hungary have players who can turn a match and they played impressively yesterday. Ronaldo is not one to dwell too much on the past, something he has shown time and time again.
Iceland will now set their bar a little higher and make a genuine attempt to get out of the group stages themselves. It is a realistic possibility especially with the 3rd placed team also getting a crack at making it to the round of 16.
