The Netherlands made the mistake to underestimate Cristiano Ronaldo’s threat. Before their game against Portugal, Wesley Sneijer downplayed the influence of the 27-year-old star. However, Ronaldo had the last laugh as his brace downed the Dutch 2-1.
Having learnt his lessons, Czech Republic coach Michal Bilek decided to go defensive against the Portuguese national team in the quarter-finals. However, Cristiano Ronaldo popped up with an unstoppable header 11 minutes from time to oust the Czechs.
The Real Madrid attacker has been tipped to maintain his hot form and guide Portugal all the way to the title but UEFA European Championship titleholders Spain have other ideas. The Spaniards are confident of containing Cristiano Ronaldo as Barcelona striker Pedro Rodriguez told Goal.com:
“Cristiano is a fantastic player who's in great form and that must be taken into account. But I think we know how to neutralise him, so let's wait and see what happens, we are very confident but it will be difficult.”
In the build-up to the game, coach Del Bosque told reporters:
“We will be taking special care of Cristiano Ronaldo. It won't be an individual [marking] thing. There will be permanent help as there was two years ago [at the 2010 FIFA World Cup]”.
In fact, Spain’s special plan is that there is no plan! The world and European champions are too confident in their possessive game which torments oppositions as Xabi Alonso explained:
“We've got nothing planned, we'll play the same way regardless of the rival. We can make small adjustments, play him close and keep him from finding space - but playing as a team is the best way to stop any player.”
The Castrol movie about Cristiano Ronaldo proved that the player can even score in the dark. However, Xavi believes that Ronaldo’s multiple attributes as an athlete will count for nothing once Spain deny him from enjoying the game.
“We will have to be very attentive. We will try to cover as well, [to] make Cristiano uncomfortable and not allow him to turn.”
The Spaniards believe that team work will do the trick. Barcelona defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets gave his prediction and analysis ahead of Wednesday night’s first UEFA Euro 2012 semi-final match.
“He [Ronaldo] will mostly be in the zone defended by Alvaro [Arbeloa] and Alvaro knows him better than anyone [as Real Madrid team-mates]. But to stop a player of this kind you need the whole team to work.”
Cristiano Ronaldo guided Portugal to an emphatic 4-0 victory over Spain the last time both teams met. Watch extended highlights of this encounter here:
Portugal 4-0 Spain Highlights Friendly Match... by plutoatom
