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NO ADVANTAGE: Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo controls the ball during a training session at Opalenica stadium in Poland. Photo:Charles Platiau/ Reuters

ON COURSE: Spain players celebrate a goal against France during their Euro 2012 quarterfinal match at Donbass Arena in Donetsk.Photo: REUTERS/Juan Medina

 Ronaldo squashes talks 

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"Three days rest is more than sufficient. The Spanish have commented that having two fewer days rest is a disadvantage, but as a professional I don't think it's important," the Real Madrid striker was quoted as saying on Uefa's website.

Portugal advanced to the semifinals last Thursday by beating the Czech Republic 1-0, while defending champions Spain beat France 2-0 on Saturday.

"You have to prepare for the match in the same way that we prepared for the others. We don't have to do anything different. It will be a hard clash in which Portugal has to do very well to beat Spain.

"We are ready and we will do our best," said Ronaldo, who has scored three goals so far in the tournament.

Ronaldo leads the scoring chart alongside Germany's Mario Gomez, Russia's Alan Dzagoev and Croatia's Mario Mandzukic, but the latter two are already back home with their sides eliminated in the group stage.

"I knew the goals would come. It didn't start very well, but with the sacrifices of my teammates everything improved," said Ronaldo.

And he insisted he remains calm before the Iberian clash in Donetsk.

"These games are part of my life. I have 10 years playing them in clubs and for the national side so I have to be used to them.

"Responsibility yes, pressure no," he said. "It's nice that Portugal have a chance to reach another final after eight years (they lost to Greece in the final of Euro 2004, which they hosted). It will be difficult but we are only one step away."

• Another semifinal match will see Italy taking on Germany tomorrow.

Comments

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Thu May 23 16:26:18 SAST 2013 ::

Jun 27, 2012

Papage

It is big days, today and tomorrow for Euro 2012, I cant wait for final on sunday, my the best Country win, hope Bafana Bafana are watching and learning what it means to play for a Country.
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Jun 27, 2012

mathopeed

@Papage
You will update us bra, phela some of us are DSTV less, we depend on our own SABC mediocre.
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Jun 27, 2012

Tango

I see an easy win for Spain against the overrated Portugal.
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Jun 27, 2012

Bdoobs

@ Papage

If you could be honest, please compare the Euros and the WC. My comparisons would be, the Euros are the best because there aren't teams like BB (the beat boys), the standard is high across the board. With the group from which BB need to qualify, there is not even one team that I think will make a good impression in Brazil...

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Jun 27, 2012

Stumaeza

Win for Spain (+-700 passes) no chance for CR7

@Bdoobs
Yes you're right the Euros are the best and all the teams play competitive football.


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Jun 27, 2012

mswekhethu

Portugal may win if they get they manage to get the ball
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Jun 27, 2012

Papage

Eskom please behave, dont take electricity away
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Jun 27, 2012

BRA-MAFUTHA

Why isn’t SABC not showing the EURO 2012
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