'We have 90...'- Cristiano Ronaldo motivates Portugal side after a humiliating loss

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner footballing icon Cristiano Ronaldo took to his social media to motivate his national team ahead of the second-leg fixture against Denmark.

author-image
Shubhrajit Goswami
New Update
WC

Photograph: (X)

Cristiano Ronaldo remains determined in his pursuit of another international trophy, sending a defiant message following Portugal's surprising defeat to Denmark.

Advertisment

The 40-year-old forward played the full 90 minutes in the UEFA Nations League match, where his team suffered a narrow 1-0 loss. The outcome could have been even more unfavourable had Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen not missed a penalty in the first half.

Cristiano Ronaldo let his intentions known

Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund, another standout player for the Red Devils, netted the game's sole goal. After scoring, he celebrated with Ronaldo’s iconic 'Siuuu' gesture.

However, in the post-match interview, he clarified that it was not meant to mock his sporting idol in any way. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo acknowledged the outcome of the match and accepted responsibility for a lacklustre and disappointing performance.

“It's for my idol. It wasn't to mock him or anything. He's had such a huge impact on me and my football career. Maybe it's a bit ambivalent, but to score against him and Portugal, it's huge.” Hojlund said.

“I remember him scoring from a free kick in 2011 when I went to watch the match, and since then I've been a huge Cristiano fan,” he added.

Ronaldo is preparing for the second leg of a crucial quarter-final match scheduled for Sunday. He has indicated on social media that there are 90 minutes left to change the outcome of the contest asserting that the players have their fortunes in their own hands.

"We have 90 minutes to turn things around. Let's go all out, Portugal!" Ronaldo posted on X.

Ronaldo won the UEFA Nations League with Portugal in 2019. As the captain of the national team, he aims to secure that title again. He is also in pursuit of completing the landmark of scoring 1000 career goals moving forward.

Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal UEFA Nations League