ZCZC
BSP-08
FBL-EURO-2020-QUALIFYING
Ronaldo draws blank on Portugal return in Euro qualifier
LISBON, March 23, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Ukraine snuffed out Portugal on
Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to international football, defending stoutly as
they held the European champions to a goalless draw in their opening Euro
2020 Group B qualifier on Friday.
Ronaldo was handed the captain’s armband by Portugal coach Fernando Santos
for his comeback nine months since he last played for his country, in the
2018 World Cup, but the Juventus attacker couldn’t help his side find a way
past Andriy Shevchenko’s stubborn outfit.
The draw was the first time Santos’ side have failed to score at home in 19
matches and leaves them second in the group behind Luxembourg, who beat
Lithuania 2-1.
“We didn’t play as we wanted to. We started slowly, not pressing the way we
wanted,” said Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva.
“The second half we tried to create chances to go after the game but
unfortunately we didn’t score.”
William Carvalho had a fine header ruled out for offside in the 16th minute
and Ronaldo, Pepe and Andre Silva all went close to opening the scoring, but
Ukraine stopper Andriy Pyatov was on fine form to deny them.
Ronaldo, who was rested for the last six Portugal games while he settled at
new club Juventus, was one of the few players who looked like he had any idea
of how to break Ukraine down, but he couldn’t inspire his team to victory.
In the end the away side could have snatched the three points through
Junior Moraes, only for the debutant to fluff a golden chance to grab a shock
win.
“We fulfilled our gameplan in defence, 100 percent. Not conceding at the
home of the European champions is a great result,” said a satisfied
Shevchenko.
“There were some stages in the game where we didn’t do well. But Portugal
were reshaping very well on the pitch and created us lots of difficulties.”
Portugal take on Serbia, who are yet to play in the five-man group, in
Lisbon on Monday, while Ukraine travel to group leaders Luxembourg.
BSS/AFP/GMR/1036 hrs