“If I had a tip on how to defend Ronaldo, I would sell it” - Czech Republic star shares opinion on Cristiano Ronaldo before Euro 2024 clash
Czech Republic defender Tomas Vlcek reckons stopping Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo in their UEFA Euro 2024 opener would be a herculean job. The two teams clash in Leipzig on Tuesday (June 18).
Ronaldo, 39, is widely regarded as one of the finest players in the game's history and is coming off a superb 44-goal season for Al-Nassr. That includes a record 35 goals in the Saudi Pro League, where his side finished second for the second straight year.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner scored twice in the 3-0 friendly win at home to the Republic of Ireland to warm up for Euro 2024 in style. Hasek has no qualms, admitting that stopping Ronaldo - who scored 10 times in qualifying - is nearly impossible, explaining (as per Fotbal.cz):
"If I had a tip on how to defend Ronaldo, I would probably sell it for a very high price. He is a player who is very difficult to defend."
He added:
"One prepares, for example, how to defend Ronaldo, but such players are able to change their decision from one second to the next. Even at such a speed that one has no chance to react to it.
"There is no recipe for it, but you just have to try to be as much as possible with him. You might even be a little lucky to poke the ball out of him. In a lot of situations, you can't even defend him."
Portugal is one of the pre-tournament favorites and has Turkey and Georgia as the other teams in their group.
Record-setting Cristiano Ronaldo more interested to inspire Portugal to glory at Euro 2024
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo is chasing a slew of records and milestones at Euro 2024. On the cusp of becoming the first player to play six editions and score in that many, he will also become the oldest player to score in the finals.
However, before a potentially history-setting campaign in Germany, Ronaldo told UEFA that he's more interested in helping his team go all the way, adding to their 2016 triumph:
"I'm proud to be the first player to play in six EURO tournaments. I'm thrilled about it as it shows the longevity of my career. However, it's merely a chapter in what Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved in football.
"I'm happy and I feel privileged to be here to help the national team achieve its goals and, of course, try to go on and win it, which is our primary goal."
The all-time record scorer in men's international football recently became the first male player to score in 21 straight years in international football. He's on the cusp of more history at Euro 2024.