adminPARIS. — Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is looking to make amends for a poor performance and some unwise words when his side take on Austria at Euro 2016 soccer finals today. Ronaldo failed to shine in his opening Group F game, and after the 1-1 draw against Iceland he lambasted the North Atlantic minnows for their “small mentality” because of their defensive tactics.
Iceland’s defence froze out Ronaldo, who is looking for a goal that will make him the first to score in four European Championship tournaments.
The Real Madrid ace has been lambasted across the continent for his petulant outburst with Iceland’s Karni Arnason labelling him “not a gracious human being”.
Austria will need to attack after a side led by Bayern Munich’s David Alaba — highly rated after their stunning qualifying campaign — were shocked 2-0 by neighbours Hungary in their opening game. Despite a forgiving format allowing 16 of the 24 teams to progress to the knock-out stages, defeat for either side would leave them facing a possible embarrassing early exit.
Today’s European Championship Fixtures
Group E: Belgium v Republic of Ireland (3pm).
Group F: Iceland v Hungary (6pm); Portugal v Austria (9pm). — AFP
Online Reporter