Cristiano Ronaldo admitted he was sad he could not break Luis Figo’s appearance record for Portugal with a victory but called on their fans to keep believing following a second draw in as many games at Euro 2016.
Ronaldo missed a penalty and had another goal ruled out for offside as Portugal dominated but couldn’t find a breakthrough in the 0-0 draw with Austria in Paris.
Portugal must now beat Group F leaders Hungary on Wednesday but Ronaldo believes they are capable of putting their disappointment behind them to get the result they need.
He said on UEFA’s official website: “[Breaking Luis Figo’s Portugal appearance record] is a reason to be proud. It was a goal to be the most- capped international player and to be the national team’s top scorer. But I’m a bit sad because this wasn’t the way I wanted to break this record. We wanted to win. This was not how I envisaged it.
“We had a lot of chances and we did well, but we weren’t able to finish. I also missed some chances — a penalty and some others. But that’s part of football.
“We need to continue to believe, and once again thank the Portuguese fans who were here and also the ones who were supporting us from elsewhere. I’m sure Portugal will give their best in the next match, and if you try you’ll always make it.
“We, the players, need to think that it’s still possible; if we win, we qualify. And also the Portuguese people, the fans who love Portugal, they also have to believe. The bad won’t last forever, so we need to believe that things will get better.”
Ronaldo made his 127th Portugal appearance during the game against Austria, putting him one ahead of Figo.
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