Ronaldo shows us 'anything is possible': Portugal's Dias

English Woman's Journal - Ronaldo shows us 'anything is possible': Portugal's Dias

SPORTS 17.06.2024

Ronaldo shows us 'anything is possible': Portugal's Dias / Photo: PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA - AFP

Portugal defender Ruben Dias said Cristiano Ronaldo's presence shows their squad they can achieve anything as they prepare to make their Euro 2024 bow against the Czech Republic on Tuesday.

Change text size:

Portugal won Euro 2016 and are spearheaded by 39-year-old superstar striker Cristiano Ronaldo, preparing to play at a record-extending sixth Euros.

Ronaldo, the record men's international goalscorer with 130 strikes for his country, is also the all-time top scorer at the tournament with 14, a distance ahead of former France great Michel Platini in second spot on nine goals.

"I would say he represents inspiration, he represents that anything is possible, he represents all that you can dream, and achieve it," Manchester City centre-back Dias told a news conference Monday.

"Mainly I would like to say it's a pleasure to have him with us. More than all these little things or big things, him being with us in this moment of his career represents that he wants to win again.

"He's our captain and obviously we follow him to the end."

If Ronaldo scores at the Euros this summer he will become the competition's oldest goalscorer of all-time, breaking a record set by Austria's Ivica Vastic at 38 in Euro 2008.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said Ronaldo's experience could be vital at the tournament, along with veteran centre-back Pepe, 41.

"(Ronaldo) is very important... at tournaments, Euros and World Cups, the key is a mix of experience and new talent," said Martinez.

"Our team does it perfectly -- you mentioned Cristiano, and him and Pepe bring experience nobody else has, they are the two oldest players at the tournament.

"Then we have (the young players too)... we need all of this, they all need to be linked together, committed, that is crucial for us."

L.Ross--EWJ

Paul George Scores 36 as Celtics Defeat Sixers 123-101 to Take East Lead

The Boston Celtics claimed first place in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Paul George led all scorers with 36 points in his return to Philadelphia, while a decisive third-quarter run extended Boston's lead and dropped the Sixers to second place.

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.