EXPECTING FIREWORKS FROM CRISTIANO
“Cristiano Ronaldo will do everything to bring us glory. He loves these challenges and will be ready to set the grass on fire,” says former Portugal captain
Luis Figo was the first captain Cristiano Ronaldo played under when CR7 made his debut for Portugal. Till date, only Eusebio and Figo’s Portugal have made it to the last four stage of the World Cup. Figo is expecting fireworks from Cristiano in what could be his last World Cup, in Qatar. ⬤ Portugal has never reached the final of the World Cup. Can they do so in Qatar?
Why not? We have a good squad. All the boys have been playing well for different clubs in Europe. They are in good touch. Above all, we have Cristiano Ronaldo who will be eager to make his last World Cup a memorable one. So there is every possibility for us to go the distance.
⬤ A super computer has predicted a final between Argentina and Portugal, the final between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo…
If that happens, the football world will clearly be divided again, since there are so many followers for both of them. I can only say that both of them deserve a great farewell. With the help of their team-mates, they can fulfill their own as well as their country’s dream.
⬤ Since Portugal has never won the coveted cup, will there be more pressure on Cristiano?
See, when you are on the field, you don’t remember what happened in the past. You take the field with the only intention of winning the match. History comes to mind only after you finish the match. Yes, Portugal has never reached the final of this competition. Twice we reached the semifinals, in 1966 and 2006. But we had to be content with the consolation prize of the third and fourth placed nations. However, that has nothing to do with the current World Cup.
⬤ You were a part of the 2006 side, in fact, you led that team.
Yes, fond memories, definitely. We lost to France. And my very good friend Zinedine Zidane was leading the team then. We played a lot together for Real Madrid and we had great memories, chatting over the match. As a team, we tried our best, but could not win that day. That’s football, there is only one winner when the final whistle blows. Naturally, it was disappointing for us. Zidane came to me, we congratulated each other, swapped our shirts and I wished him well for the final. However, it was a different story for him, too, in the final.
⬤ Cristiano made his debut in the competition that year. What was your impression of young Cristiano?
His first competition for Portugal was not the World Cup but the EURO in 2004 and we were the hosts then. He was already signed by Sir Alex Ferguson for Manchester United a year before and that was big news for all of us associated with football in Portugal. A talent was born. We saw him grow to this stature of one of the best in the history of the game in these 18 years.
⬤ But his current form with
Manchester United has been rocky?
There is a new coach, a new season. At the moment, though, I am not at all bothered about his club form. He will be leading Portugal in his last World Cup and I am sure, he will do everything to bring us glory. He loves these challenges and will be ready to set the grass on fire.
⬤ With Uruguay, Ghana and South Korea, it’s a strong group for Portugal…
That will help you concentrate from the very first minute of the tournament. We lost to Uruguay in Russia four years ago. Nobody has forgotten. Ghana is physically strong while South Koreans play a speedy game that can surprise any team. Our coach Fernando Santos is experienced enough to counter them.
⬤ Apart from Portugal, your other favourites in the tournament?
France, Brazil, Germany, England, Argentina, Spain and yes, Belgium. I think I have picked all! Cannot say which team will be winning the Cup, but there is little chance of a team other than these eight to win the Cup!