Varela defends under-fire Cristiano Ronaldo

Jun 15, 2012 2:00:00 PM

The match-winner versus the Danes has stressed that the Portugal skipper is feeling fine, despite his underwhelming performances for his country at Euro 2012 thus far

Portugal attacker Silvestre Varela has defended team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo after the Real Madrid star's disappointing performance against Denmark on Wednesday.

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11/2	A 1-1 draw between Portugal and Netherlands is 11/2 with Bet365

Varela, who netted the winner against the Danes, has stressed that the Portugal skipper is feeling fine, before asserting that the former Ballon d'Or winner has already proven himself.

"Cristiano Ronaldo has been fine. He is an excellent captain and player. He has nothing to prove. We are all united and ready to sacrifice ourselves for the team," Varela stated at a press conference.

"Football is a team game. When the team is fine, players rise to the challenge.

"You cannot compare Ronaldo at Real Madrid to the one who plays for Portugal. The way a player performs for a club and for the national team are two different things."

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Varela may have bagged a sweet strike to sink Morten Olsen's side, but he does not think that it will earn him a start against Netherlands on Sunday.

"I always try to help this team to reach their goals, regardless of whether I am a starter or not. The coach is the one to decide.

"Nani and Ronaldo have been playing very well. They work hard and are world-class players. I hope that everything will continue to go well for them.

"Any player would like to start, but if the coach decides that I have to come on as a substitute, I have to respect him and give my best for the team.

"My goal against Denmark was one of the best moments of my career."

Portugal will be looking to book their ticket for the quarter-finals on Sunday when they take on Netherlands at 20:45CET.

A 1-1 draw between Portugal and the Netherlands is 11/2 with Bet365

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