Ronaldo Calls for Unity as Portugal Faces Denmark in Nations League Quarter-Final

Captain Cristiano Ronaldo has acknowledged the mounting pressure on the Portugal national team as they prepare for a crucial second leg against Denmark in the Nations League quarter-finals. The match, set for Sunday, follows a disappointing 1-0 loss to Denmark in Copenhagen, where a goal by Rasmus Hojlund sealed Portugal's fate.

Reflecting on the first leg, Ronaldo expressed his dissatisfaction with both his and his team’s performance. He emphasized the importance of the home crowd at Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon and urged fans to rally behind the team. "The air is more tense. I'm not hiding it. We're in a tense moment because we need to win, but that's the beautiful thing about football," he stated in a press conference on Saturday.

Ronaldo made a passionate appeal to supporters, saying, "Tomorrow, I'm calling on the fans to be with us. Let them give us their strength, because we're going to try to do our best." He recalled his frustrations from the previous match, asserting, "I've lost games in 90 minutes, but I've never lost in the first leg. There are games like that, there are bad days. I didn't play at all the other day, the team didn't play at all, but it's part of life."

The veteran striker expressed his desire to leave the stadium with pride, emphasizing that while he hopes to score, the primary goal is for the team to win. "If I score, I'll be happy, but if I don't score, let someone else score. What I want is for Portugal to win," he highlighted.

Ronaldo also addressed criticisms directed at the team's attitude, stating, "There's always attitude in the national team. Technical aspects, of course, but other things were lacking too. That's football; you can't always play well." He acknowledged the struggles the team faced in the first leg and conveyed confidence in their ability to turn things around.

"The atmosphere wasn't favorable either. I've played 50,000 bad games, and so has the team. Our players, who are used to playing on big stages, have also played bad games. That's part of it," he said. Ronaldo dismissed concerns about nerves affecting the squad, urging everyone to focus on the present. "The past is the past. I know there are a lot of people who want us to lose, but if the few who are there are united and have good energy, I'm sure we'll get a great result tomorrow."

Additionally, Ronaldo defended head coach Roberto Martinez, who has faced scrutiny from fans and pundits alike. “I think it's unfair to criticize the coach, because we're all in the same boat," he remarked. "We lost the game and played badly, but we have the second leg tomorrow. Calm down. Think positive and think that things will go well."

As the Portuguese team prepares for this pivotal match, the hope for a strong comeback remains alive among fans and players alike, with Ronaldo's leadership in the spotlight.