EURO 2008 - SWITZERLAND/AUSTRIA
Portugal/Turkey - 19H45
Here we go again! Unfortunately, on this occasion there is a dark cloud over my beloved national team. And it is all to do with our greatest footballer - Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ever since €2004 and the atrocious attacks of the English media, I've always defended Ronaldo through thick and thin in the way of posts in various forums and in conversation with friends and "english enemies" alike. That's why I'm sure I will not be alone in feeling a sense of despair and guilt, as a fellow Portuguese and Man United sympathiser - to hear day in and day out this pathetic talk about Ronaldo wanting away from the club he's contracted to!
A few hours before Portugal's kick off against Turkey, my thoughts go to Ronaldo who must produce an immaculate performance to avoid being blamed for any potential debacle and also having the finger pointed at him for the way he conducted himself or possibly allowed himself to be led in the last week or so, in the wake of all the rumours about "his commitment" to R. Madrid. But the blame should not rest with him alone, but also be apportioned to the president of the Portuguese football association and in no small measure to the coach Scolari too.
Let's hope that Portugal will win well today and this matter can be buried... for a few days at least.