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Euro 2016: Cristiano Ronaldo rips Iceland after 1-1 draw

By Chase Ruttig

Jun 22, 2014; Manaus, Amazonas, BRAZIL; Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo (7) reacts to missing a shot during the second half of their 2-2 tie with the United States in a 2014 World Cup game at Arena Amazonia. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2014; Manaus, Amazonas, BRAZIL; Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo (7) reacts to missing a shot during the second half of their 2-2 tie with the United States in a 2014 World Cup game at Arena Amazonia. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cristiano Ronaldo was not pleased with Iceland’s tactics and celebrations following their 1-1 draw with Portugal at Euro 2016 to open Group F play.

Cristiano Ronaldo had an awful first match for Portugal at Euro 2016 in France as his country blew a 1-0 lead to draw with qualification darlings Iceland, and one of the world’s greatest players is not happy about it. Refusing to give credit to Iceland for their effort in earning a 1-1 draw, Ronaldo instead took the opportunity post-match to rip into the small nation.

Ronaldo took Iceland to task for their defensive tactics following the equalizing goal from Bikir Bjarnson, claiming that they did not try to score after tying the match and instead parked the bus to earn the single point for the draw. If that wasn’t enough, Ronaldo also laid it into the Iceland players for over-celebrating the result, claiming that the country’s players have a small mentality and will achieve nothing at the tournament in what appears to be sour grapes from Ronaldo following a frustrating night in France.

Ronaldo’s match started off well as he sent in a nice cross to Nani in the first half, but following Portugal gaining the lead the superstar forward was most invisible save for a few free kick attempts that he sent into the Iceland wall. After winning the Champions League, Ronaldo has the expectation to carry Portugal on his shoulders in what is a weaker Group F and after failing to earn the full three points there is clear frustration surrounding not being able to get the job done.

With Portugal facing Austria in a match that will be crucial to both nations’ hopes of catching up to shock group leaders Hungary on Saturday, expect to see a very motivated Ronaldo after Iceland frustrated the winger for 90 minutes. Perhaps if his Portugal side can earn the three points on the weekend Ronaldo will be classier in his post-match comments about the Austrians than he was when talking about what was the biggest night in Icelandic footballing history.

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