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Portugal are still searching for their first win at Euro 2016, but boss Fernando Santos believes that his players, and more specifically Cristiano Ronaldo, have what it takes to secure three points.
Ronaldo is yet to find the back of the net, despite having 20 shots of his own against Austria alone, but Santos has faith that the Real Madrid star can turn his form around.
“I’m sure Cristiano will do what he does best. He’s always proven what he does best is to score,” Santos told the press.
“Cristiano Ronaldo will continue to take both penalties and free-kicks.”
The experienced coach has a couple of injury problems, with the impressive Andre Gomes a particular worry.
“I don’t know if Gomes or Guerreiro will be fit,” Santos explained. “We’ll speak to the doctors. There’s no definitive answer.”
Hungary stand in Portugal’s way, with the supposed underdogs having already picked up four points from an available six in Group F – Santos’ side, meanwhile, have drawn twice.
“I don’t think Hungary will play a defensive match,” reasoned the coach. “They’re very hard workers and the strength is the team itself.
“We played alright versus Iceland and well versus Austria. The problem was scoring, but we need to prepare the players now.
“If we play the same way, we’ll score. Football is not about luck. I don’t feel the pressure, I’m too old for that.”
Santos wasn’t to waver in his belief, with the experienced boss knowing that his players have to live up to the occasion.
“We’re focused on our next opponents,” he insisted. “We will play this game like a final, with our objective.
“I believe in my players. We played one of the best games in the tournament so far; why wouldn’t I?
“They’re a great group, full of enthusiasm, determination, quality. Not believing in them wouldn’t make sense.”
William Carvalho also faced the press, with the young midfielder in the spotlight after performing well last time out against Austria.
“We’re not thinking about the last 16,” Carvalho told reporters. “We’re thinking in tomorrow. We’ll see with the result.
“We’re all together and we will give a good response. The side has worked in the same way.
“Cristiano has obviously been doing the same. The goals will show up eventually. We all want to go back home on July 11.”
