We are on track: Ronaldo

Portugual are daring to dream of Euro 2008 glory after their impressive 3-1 win over the Czech Republic, team hero Cristiano Ronaldo said.

The 23-year-old winger showed exactly why Manchester United are fighting to keep him out of Real Madrid’s clutches by creating two goals and scoring one against the Czechs on Wednesday.

Having drawn Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech out of position in the eighth minute, Ronaldo created enough space for Barcelona’s Deco to flick the ball home and then followed up with a precision strike of his own on 63 minutes. He capped a man-of-the-match performance by setting up Portuguese substitute Ricardo Quaresmo to score a third goal in extra-time.

With a maximum six points after two wins, Portugal look set to reach the Euro 2008 quarter-finals as Group A winners and Ronaldo believes his side can go one better than four years ago when they lost to Greece in the final.

“Can the Portuguese dream? We can all dream, we are starting to have the belief to dream high, but we must take it a step at a time,” said the Portuguese star, whose side face Switzerland on Sunday in their final Group A game.

“The road is long, but we are on track.”

Ronaldo said he makes no excuses for his high-risk football which paid off against the Czech Republic in such dramatic style.

He said: “I try to always give my best.

Czech Republic coach Karel Bruckner heaped praise on the Manchester United star saying he looks set to become the player of the tournament.

He said: “The Portugal team is not just about Ronaldo, they have an excellent passing game, but, yes, Ronaldo might be the best player of Euro 2008.”

AFP