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Portugal opened their UEFA Euro 2024 campaign on a winning note as the 2016 European champions defeated the Czech Republic 2-1, courtesy of an injury-time winner by Francisco Conceição. The Selecao are next scheduled to face Turkey at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund on Saturday and ahead of the clash, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez gave a fitting response to the questions over starting legendary Cristiano Ronaldo in the Euro 2024 games.
According to Transfermarkt, Cristiano Ronaldo scored 44 goals in 45 appearances for Saudi giants Al-Nassr across all competitions and scored 7 goals in 9 appearances for Portugal since June 20, 2023, including the Euro 2024 opener. During the game against Czechia, Ronaldo failed to enter the scoresheet, but he created a big chance in the game with his back-heel pass to Vitinha inside the box.
Ahead of Portugal's clash against Turkey in the Euro 2024 group stage, head coach Roberto Martinez talked about the World's all-time leading goal-scorer's importance in the squad. During the press conference, a reporter questioned the five-time Ballon d'Or winner featuring in the starting XI and if he could play 90 minutes in the European championship.
Martinez slammed the reporter with a fitting response as he said, "Can I ask you a question? Do you know how many minutes Cristiano played last season?" The reporter said, "Every game with Al-Nassr", and Martinez responded, "Then you're answering your question."
However, the reporter went on to compare the intensity of football in Saudi Arabia and Europe and talked about the atmosphere during their clash against Turkey. Martinez responded, "It's the experience, how you handle big occasions. There is no other player in the history of football who has played 6 Euros. It is important to understand what a player brings. Cristiano brings experience, he brings goal-scoring opportunities, and a way to open spaces. Cristiano is in the national team because he deserves to be here. Just look at what he did and what he has done in recent competitions."
Watch the video here:
In the Group F standings, Turkey are placed at the top with a better goal difference than Portugal, who are at the second spot with three points in one match.
