Portugal coach Fernando Santos certain Cristiano Ronaldo can have major influence on Qatar campaign.Portugal aiming for second victory against Uruguay on Monday.
Fernando Santos is firm Cristiano Ronaldo can shrug off the pressure of spearheading Portugal’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and have a major impact on the tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo scored from spot in Portugal opener.
The 37-year-old sent an early message of intent – and claimed a slice of World Cup history – when he won and scored a penalty in Portugal’s opening-match victory over Ghana on Thursday. Ronaldo, whose exit from Manchester United was confirmed last week, is the first man to score at five World Cups. He opened his account against Iran in Germany 2006 when his team reached the semi-finals. Portugal didn’t advance beyond the last 16 in three subsequent competitions.
“As far as Cristiano is concerned, I’ve known him for many years, since he was 19, we have other players who share the same personality. Little by little he gained more experience, and understands this pressure, but we also take into account other players, not only Cristiano Ronaldo,”Fernando Santos.
Bengali