Lyon: Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo said he hoped he would cry tears of joy at Sunday’s Euro 2016 final after his goal inspired his team to a 2-0 semifinal win over Wales. The Real Madrid superstar scored a brilliant 50th-minute header in Lyon on Wednesday and then teed Nani up for a quick-fire second goal as Portugal qualified for the final against Germany or France.
“The team did a marvellous job to reach the final. I hope on Sunday you’ll see me crying with joy,” said Ronaldo, who as a 19-year-old wept on the pitch after Portugal lost 1-0 to Greece as hosts in the final of Euro 2004. “I always said I wanted to win something with Portugal. I’ve been at the highest level for 13 years. The statistics never lie.”
Ronaldo’s goal, his third at the tournament, saw him tie France great Michel Platini’s record of nine goals at European Championship finals. He now trails tournament top scorer Antoine Griezmann of France by one goal. Ronaldo now has the chance to finally land Portugal’s first ever major trophy having missed out in 2004.
“This is different... that was my first final, my debut, now 12 years have gone by and we are going to play another final. “I have always dreamed of winning for Portugal — I hope it is our time now. I am very confident. I deserve it, Portugal deserves it, the Portugese people deserve it.”
