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Portugal coach slams press for Ronaldo criticism: 'Such judgment is unfair'
23 March, 09:42
Portugal national team head coach Roberto Martinez has backed striker Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of their Nations League playoff second leg against Denmark.
"Both teams are very tactically flexible; we played with two strikers. We need to involve our players based on the opponent.
"But there’s no need to keep talking about Cristiano in every game. If Ronaldo scores, he’s the most important player in the team. When he doesn’t score, it’s because of his age. Such judgment is unfair," Martinez was quoted by A Bola.
Portugal lost 1-0 to Denmark in the first leg of the playoff. After the defeat, Ronaldo faced a wave of criticism. The next match is set for March 23.
Portugal – Denmark 5:2 (1:0, 2:2, 2:0)23 March, 19:45, Estádio José Alvalade
Starting lineupsGoalsCards
Portugal
Denmark
Schmeichel, Chinazaekpere Dorgu (Harder Weibel Schandorf 97), Nissen Kristensen, Vestergaard, Andersen, Nørgaard (Mow Froholdt 83), Hjulmand, Lindstrom (Olsen 65), Tang Isaksen (Kristansen 73), Eriksen (Frendrup 83), Højlund (Biereth 73)
2:1 - 72 Cristiano Ronaldo,
4:2 - 91 Francisco Trincão,
Christian Eriksen (50),
Rúben Dias (50),
Christian Nørgaard (66),
Joachim Andersen (105+3),
Jannik Vestergaard (120+1)
