“We know how to react” - Czech Republic coach makes confident claim on facing Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal at Euro 2024
Czech Republic football team's coach Ivan Hasek has outlined his plans ahead of the Euro 2024 showdown against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal on Tuesday, June 18. Czechia and Portugal lock horns in a Group F clash at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig.
Ronaldo and Co. are among the consensus favorites to win the tournament in Germany. Roberto Martinez has a star-studded squad in his ranks and Portugal had a perfect qualifying campaign, winning all of their games.
Martinez has also tweaked his team's formation at times, which makes Portugal unpredictable. Hasek, though, is embracing the challenge. He said ahead of the Euro 2024 group game (via Portuguese outlet O Jogo):
"We know how Portugal played in the past, we know how Martinez was successful with three central defenders, so we prepared for different variations. We saw Portugal's last games and we know how they can change the team. And we know how to react."
Portugal beat Ireland 3-0 in their final preparation game ahead of Euro 2024, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a brace. The Portugal captain will once again look to be his team's best-attacking threat.
Czechia, though, are not a walk in the park. Judging by Hasek's comments, his team are keen on giving Portugal a tough test.
Sporting CP extend support to Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to play in his record-extending sixth European Championships. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner made his debut in the competition back in 2004.
He has since played five editions, already a record. Ronaldo won the Euros back in 2016 and will now play his sixth Euro in Germany. Sporting CP sent a message to their academy product ahead of Portugal's opening match. The Liga Portugal club wrote on social media:
“20 years since the first tournament when Cristiano was at Alvalade, now he is in the sixth Euro tournament.”
Ronaldo was in blazing form during the qualifiers. He scored 10 goals and provided two assists in nine appearances, being the second top scorer behind Romelu Lukaku. Fans will keep a keen eye on the five-time Ballon d'Or winner during Euro 2024.