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Cristiano Ronaldo 'still as hungry for goals as an 18-year-old' despite ineffective display against Iceland, insists Portugal boss Roberto Martinez

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  • Portugal beat Iceland 2-0
  • Ronaldo drew a blank
  • Martinez has no doubts over his quality
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Portugal finished their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a perfect record after beating Iceland 2-0 in their final fixture on Sunday. Goals from Bruno Fernandes and Ricardo Horta gave Martinez's side all three points, with Ronaldo enduring a frustrating evening in the final third of the pitch.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Ronaldo was largely ineffective against Iceland and missed a golden chance from three yards out before Horta tapped in the rebound to wrap up Portugal's victory. Still, the 38-year-old striker did manage to hit 10 goals through his nine appearances in the Group J qualifiers, and Martinez is confident that he hasn't lost his edge.

  • WHAT ROBERTO MARTINEZ SAID

    Quizzed on Ronaldo's performance after the game, Portugal boss Martinez told reporters: "Cristiano Ronaldo is as hungry as an 18-year-old player. He is a role model, he always tries to be in the right position and is looking for the goal."

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    The respect the Portugal squad has for Ronaldo was underlined by a gesture from Roma goalkeeper Rui Patricio after the final whistle. As per The Sun, The Al-Nassr star gave away his shirt to an opposition player and substitute Patricio then offered him his coat to stay warm.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

    Ronaldo will now return to club duty with Al-Nassr, who currently sit second in the Saudi Pro League table. The Portugal captain will be in line to start when Luis Castro's team take on Al-Akhdoud on Friday, and will be hoping to add to his haul of 13 goals in the 2023-24 competition.