Cristiano Ronaldo is gearing up for a crucial Euro 2024 qualifying clash against Slovakia, set to unfold at Tehelne Pole in Bratislava on September 8.
In Group J, both teams currently occupy the top positions, and the stakes are high, with only the top two teams securing a ticket to the main tournament in Germany next year.
The 38-year-old Portuguese icon is set to start for Portugal against Slovakia. He is in remarkable form in the Saudi Pro League, where he has already tallied six goals and four assists in just four games, underlining his enduring prowess.
Roberto Martinez’s squad has made a flawless start to their campaign, collecting the full 12 points available from their initial encounters. Meanwhile, their Slovakian hosts are hot on their heels, trailing by just two points. A victory in this pivotal fixture could potentially propel Slovakia ahead of their more celebrated rivals in the group standings.
🚨Team Portugal lead by Captain Cristiano Ronaldo have arrived in Slovakia 🔥 pic.twitter.com/51hx2pXLmD
— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) September 7, 2023
Portugal has been a dominant force in Group J, claiming 12 points and netting 14 goals across their opening four matches. Their defensive solidity is equally impressive, with four consecutive clean sheets to their name.
Despite not producing their most spectacular performance against Iceland a few months ago, Portugal secured a 1-0 victory, thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’s 123rd international goal on his 200th appearance for the national team.
Portugal’s primary objective is to cement their leadership in the group by securing a win, which would, at the very least, preserve their advantage over third-placed Luxembourg.
In their previous encounters with Slovakia, Portugal has found the net four times across two matches, all the while conceding zero goals.
Cristiano Ronaldo is not thinking about retirement anytime soon
Ronaldo, speaking to the media, has laid out his ambitious plans for Portugal in the upcoming matches this year. The seasoned striker expressed his desire for even more success, stating, “I want more, As long as I play, I want to set the bar very high. I have to think big. I really want to win these two matches. If we win we will practically qualify.”
Despite already achieving remarkable milestones, such as surpassing 850 career goals for club and country and making his 20th appearance for Portugal, Ronaldo continues to exhibit an insatiable hunger for victory. His determination to secure wins and qualify for EURO 2024 was palpable during his interaction with the media.
🚨Team Portugal lead by Captain Cristiano Ronaldo have arrived in Slovakia 🔥 pic.twitter.com/51hx2pXLmD
— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) September 7, 2023
Recent reports suggest that Ronaldo is inclined to represent Portugal in the Euros if they successfully qualify for the tournament, hinting at the possibility of considering retirement from the international stage following the prestigious European competition.
Even Ronaldo’s teammate and close friend, Pepe, a veteran center-back for Portugal, share the same unwavering determination. Pepe, who will be 41 during the next tournament, has declared his commitment to continue representing Portugal as long as Ronaldo is part of the national team.
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