“That’s the Cristiano we want” - Diogo Dalot makes confident Cristiano Ronaldo claim despite captain failing to score in Euro 2024 opening win
Diogo Dalot has expressed confidence in Cristiano Ronaldo despite the Portugal captain not getting on the scoresheet in the Euro 2024 clash against Czechia. Portugal earned a dramatic come-from-behind 2-1 win in Leipzig on Tuesday, June 18.
Ronaldo wasn't on the scoresheet, however, he looked dangerous throughout. The 39-year-old was also involved in the build-up play and helped his team off the ball. Dalot expressed satisfaction at his former Manchester United teammate's performance. He told the media after the game (via Metro):
"I know everybody will always expect him to score goals. Sometimes he scores, a lot of times he scores. Today he was very close."
Dalot added:
"Obviously, you can see in the game he played how much he ran today. He helped us with and without the ball, he was always moving, energetic, and the that's the Cristiano we want."
Cristiano Ronaldo came close on multiple occasions and often caused trouble for the Czechia defense. Scoring goals has never been a problem for the highest goalscorer in football history, hence, him not getting on the scoresheet shouldn't be a massive issue.
Lukas Provod gave Czechia a lead in the 62nd minute of the Euro 2024 clash with a spectacular shot from outside the box. An own goal from Robin Hranac (69') and an injury-time goal (90+2') from Francisco Conceicao sealed the comeback win for Roberto Martinez's side.
Cristiano Ronaldo's performance against Czechia at Euro 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo completed all of his 22 passes with a 100% accuracy. He also managed three shots on target against Czechia. The Portugal captain missed a big chance in the first half.
He also created one big chance and made two key passes. Ronaldo came close to scoring with a late header, which hit the woodwork. While Diogo Jota had turned in the rebound, Ronaldo was marginally offside.
Even though it wasn't smooth sailing, Portugal got the job done. A hard-fought win might steel the team moving forward. After all, Portugal don't lack quality and a test in the first game was perhaps a good thing to happen.
Roberto Martinez's side return to action on Saturday (June 22) against Turkey. Turkey defeated Georgia 3-1 in their Group F opener.