However, with 5 goals en route to topping their Euro 2016 qualification group, Fernando Santos knows how important his captain is. “He can go one or two games without scoring but afterwards he comes back scoring five goals, like he has done on other occasions.” Cristiano Ronaldo piled extra pressure upon himself and his team with some poorly-timed comments after the Icelanders held his team to a draw. The former Sporting manager has already had to make do without Ronaldo - which earned him the sack in 2003/2004, after then 18-yr old Ronaldo left for Manchester United. Sporting CP could only finish 3rd without their young rising star.
With Portugal performing even worse than the Icelandic debutants this summer, he could be close to unemployment again. The Portugal coach is confident that with the 3-time Balon D’Or winner in his team however, that won’t happen. “He’s a winner and his experience will help him bounce back.” For the sake of Portuguese fans and players, let’s hope he’s right.
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