Rasmus Højlund Pays Tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo After His Goal

In a thrilling UEFA Nations League quarterfinal match held on Thursday, Rasmus Højlund became a highlight of the evening, scoring the sole goal that secured Denmark’s victory over Portugal in the first leg. The Manchester United striker found the net and celebrated in a style reminiscent of his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, by performing the iconic “SIU” celebration.

Ronaldo, who was present during Højlund’s celebration, responded graciously at a pre-match press conference. He stated, “It’s fine. It’s not a problem for me. Of course I knew it wasn’t because he didn’t respect me. Of course I’m smart enough to understand that not only he but other sportsmen around the world are celebrating me. It’s an honor for me.”

Upcoming Challenges for Portugal

With a decisive second leg approaching, Ronaldo turned his focus toward rallying his team for a comeback. Following the disappointing first-leg performance, where he was critical of both his and the team’s display, he expressed his anticipation for transforming the tide back home at the Albaredo Stadium. “I lost a game in 90 minutes, but I’ve never lost the first leg,” he remarked confidently, urging fans to provide support.

Ronaldo shared the pressure of the upcoming challenge, stating, “The air is even more tense. I’m not hiding it. I’m in a tense moment because I need to win, but that’s the beautiful thing about football.” He encouraged unity among players and fans, emphasizing that the team must now focus on achieving a positive result.

Highlighting Team Spirit and Coaching

Addressing the team’s recent criticisms and speculations regarding their attitude, Ronaldo defended coach Roberto Martinez’s position, asserting, “I think it’s unfair to criticize coaches because we’re all on the same boat.” He attributed the past game’s outcomes to various factors, reinforcing the idea that all athletes can have off days.

Final Thoughts

As Portugal gears up for their crucial second leg, Ronaldo’s experience and leadership will be pivotal. “There’s always an attitude in the national team. Of course there’s a technical aspect, but there was a lack of other things,” he elaborated. The team’s focus now shifts towards showcasing their capabilities and overcoming their previous setback in front of home supporters.

As the team prepares for this critical match, the players will undoubtedly look to channel their collective energy and skills to turn their fortunes around.

Information from Reuters contributed to this report.