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Ronaldo hopes for tears of joy in Euro final

Source: AFP | July 7, 2016, Thursday | Online Edition

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo said he hoped he would cry tears of joy at Sunday's Euro 2016 final after his goal inspired his team to a 2-0 semi-final win over Wales.

The Real Madrid superstar scored a brilliant 50th-minute header in Lyon on Wednesday and then teed Nani up for a quick-fire second goal as Portugal qualified for the final against Germany or France.

"The team did a marvellous job to reach the final. I hope on Sunday you'll see me crying with joy," said Ronaldo, who as a 19-year-old wept on the pitch after Portugal lost 1-0 to Greece as hosts in the final of Euro 2004.

"I always said I wanted to win something with Portugal. I've been at the highest level for 13 years. The statistics never lie."

Ronaldo's goal, his third at the tournament, saw him tie France great Michel Platini's record of nine goals at European Championship finals.

He now trails tournament top scorer Antoine Griezmann of France by one goal.

Ronaldo now has the chance to finally land Portugal's first ever major trophy having missed out in 2004.

"This is different...that was my first final, my debut, now 12 years have gone by and we are going to play another final.

"I have always dreamed of winning for Portugal -- I hope it is our time now.

"I am very confident. I deserve it, Portugal deserves it, all the Portugese people deserve it."

Ronaldo came out on top in the clash of two Real Madrid superstars with Gareth Bale, but consoled his club teammate at full-time and congratulated Bale in carrying Wales to their first ever semi-final.

"It was a normal conversation. I congratulated them on their amazing run," added Ronaldo.

"They were the revelation team (of the tournament). I wished him good luck and as for the rest (of the conversation) I'd rather not say."

Meanwhile, Nani hailed what he called a "historic" night as Portugal reached the final.

"We worked very hard and now we have a final to play.

"I feel so proud. I can't explain the emotions that have overcome me," said the 29-year-old who has just completed a move to Spanish side Valencia.

"We are going to live the moment which is historic for the country," he added.

"I scored the goal through instinct. I couldn't even prepare the way I wanted to celebrate the goal but I want to dedicate it to my family who were in the stands."

Portugal must now wait to see who wins Thursday's second semi-final between France and Germany but Nani said he had no preference for the opponent in the final.

"We have to concentrate only on ourselves and just do our best," he said.

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