Cristiano Ronaldo slams Iceland for “small mentality” after 1-1 draw
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His Champions trophy-winning Real Madrid side may have parked the bus many a time, but that did not stop Cristiano Ronaldo from calling out minnows Iceland for “small mentality”. Ronaldo slammed Iceland after the side deadlocked Portugal into a 1-1 draw in the first Euro match for both sides.
"It was difficult over the 90 minutes, because they scored one goal and that was after they had put every player behind the ball," fumed Ronaldo. "They put the bus in the net. (Parked the bus in front of goal).
"We tried our best, we created many chances and kept the ball. Iceland didn’t try nothing, they just defend, defend, defend, they had two chances and scored a goal, it was a lucky night for them. We're frustrated, they didn't try and play.
"It's why I think they will do nothing here. In my opinion, it’s a small mentality. It's difficult when Portugal tries to win the game and the other team doesn’t," he said post the match, reported AFP.
Portugal would have hoped to open their account on a positive note, but Ronaldo appeared confident about their next match against Austria.
"It’s a little bit of frustration for us, but this is just the beginning, we’re not worried about that," said the Madrid talisman.
"If you look at Spain and France, they are strong teams in the tournament and they had difficulties winning their first game. It was tough, but we are 100 percent confident we’re going to win the next game."
His former Manchester United teammate, who also was at the receiving end of Iceland's roadblock was more gracious, however.
"We had enough chances, but we couldn’t score another one," said Nani.
"It's only the first game and we have to win our next two games. We were on top, we were the better team and we played the better football, but Iceland
Portugal manager Fernando Santos rued the lack of luck for the side on the night - Nani's header in the first-half caught the boot of Iceland custodian Halldorsson robbing the Portuguese star of a deserved goal.
"Nani’s header was blocked by their goalkeeper, who still doesn't know how he did it, that’s football," said the Portugal gaffer.
"We could have done better in defending the cross which led
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