What is RSS?

Euro 2008: Cristiano Ronaldo, ping-pong and codfish

Petit & Ronaldo in relaxed mood ahead of German test

Judging by yesterday’s press conference in which Cristiano Ronaldo and Petit looked forward to Portugal’s quarter-final meeting against Germany, pre-match nerves will not be a problem for Luiz Felipe Scolari’s men.

The Manchester United superstar and Benfica midfielder were in cheerful and relaxed mood at Portugal’s Neuchatel headquarters.

Ronaldo explained what has driven him to become the best player in the world, saying “I hate to lose, even when nothing is at stake. Yesterday I played a game of ping-pong with Petit here, and even using my left hand I won!” to which Petit immediately replied, “only because I let him!”

The next question came from a Brazilian journalist, who despite Ronaldo making it clear that he would not talk about his future, cheekily inquired as to whether the winger preferred paella or fish and chips. “Bacalhau” (Portugal’s national codfish dish) was the immediate reply from Ronaldo.

Moving onto the match itself, Ronaldo was asked about comments from German goalkeeper, Jens Lehmann, who claimed that he and his ex Arsenal team-mates have discovered the way to stop the marauding flanker.

“These are opinions, but we also know their weak points. We’ll have to try and exploit them well. He must know me well because I’ve already scored a few goals past him, so let’s see what happens,” retorted the smiling Ronaldo.

No favourites

As for Ballack’s remarks that Portugal were favourites, Ronaldo said “If he said that Germany were favourites we’d try and counter this. If Portugal said we were favourites we’d have to prove it on the pitch. For me, this talk of favourites doesn’t mean anything.

“Whoever plays better and creates the better chances will be stronger. Big games are decided on small details. I hope Portugal are at their best. The team’s on the right road, we’ve played good matches and I’m confident things will go well.

“The fact we’ve had an extra day to recover is beneficial. I hope that one of our players, on 80/85 minutes can make that extra run and score a goal that gives us the advantage.

“However, this does not mean we’ll have fewer difficulties. They’ll give their all, they’ll play well, but I’m hopeful Portugal will play at a good level and can go through.”

Ronaldo also dismissed the notion that any of the squad were thinking about the final in Vienna, saying the team is 100% focused on Thursday’s encounter and nothing else. “If we don’t beat Germany it’s all over. The players are focused on playing a good game and winning. We have to play like a team like we’ve done so far, then we’ll have excellent possibilities to win.”

Petit retirement rethink

As for Petit, the midfielder admitted he is delighted to be at full fitness and in good form, and revealed that he is being pressured by his team-mates to rethink his decision to retire from international football after the Euros.

“My selection was heavily criticised. I knew I had to work hard to be in good form in the Euro. I’m in good form. The coach put his trust in me. I’ve got nothing to prove, but I’ve proved that I deserve to be here.

“The criticism was understandable. I was out of action for a long time. I missed pre-season training, then I had an injury in the knee and another one in my foot. But I managed to work hard pre-tournament to be at full fitness.

“I said this would be my last European Championships. I’m not going to the next Euro at 34 or 35 years of age. As for the World Cup, I’m going to think about it, because my team-mates are doing my head in. But I’m still going to think about that.”


Euro 2008 Portugal diary
Portugal v Germany - Your Verdict