Euro 2012: Denmark v Portugal LIVE
Kick Off | 12 PM ET
Live Link: www.NileSports.tv
Portugal coach Paulo Bento has had to deny that Cristiano Ronaldo had walked out of Euro 2012 – after himself becoming embroiled in a war of words with Luis Figo and Rui Costa.
Bento insisted Ronaldo will captain his team for tonight’s make-or-break encounter with Denmark, and reacted furiously to claims that the Real Madrid star had quit following a bust-up between the pair in the aftermath of Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Germany in Lviv.
He also refused to back down in a spat with Portugal legends Figo and Costa after they accused him of instilling a “defensive mindset” in the team.
Bento said: “Since we lost against Germany, people have been asking me how I am going to solve a problem with Helder Postiga.
“Now I come back to Lviv and I’m supposed to have a problem with Ronaldo.
“Let me say we had 23 players at training. Everyone has stayed. Ronado has not missed a training session.”
Ronaldo did storm off the pitch at the end of the Germany game while his team-mates paid tribute to the travelling fans, prompting Figo and Costa to suggest that Portugal’s best player was frustrated with the shackles Bento had placed on him.
Bento responded: “I won’t say anything against Luis or Rui, but it’s harder to do something than just say something.
Euro 2012: Denmark v Portugal LIVE
Kick Off | 12 PM ET
Live Link: www.NileSports.tv
“I would remind them we played a counter-attacking game in 2004 when we lost the first game [of the Euros] but still reached the final.”
Denmark – Morten Olsen has no injury concerns and will reward the team that shocked World Cup finalists Holland in their opener by naming an unchanged line-up.
Portugal – Paulo Bento is expected to keep faith with striker Helder Postiga and name an unchanged team. Midfielders Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani have shaken off minor knocks.
