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Cristiano Ronaldo: Cesc Fabregas praises Portugal striker's all-round game - 'Much better than we have seen'

Jonny  Bray

Published 18/06/2024 at 21:59 GMT

Francisco Conceicao was the hero as Portugal snatched a late winner against the Czech Republic, but Cesc Fabregas believes Cristiano Ronaldo proved that he is still Roberto Martinez's main man at Euro 2024. The forward may not have got on the scoresheet, but he worked tirelessly to get his team over the line against a defiant opponent. Portugal will now turn their attention to Turkey on Saturday.

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Cesc Fabregas believes Cristiano Ronaldo's all-round game has improved in recent years despite the forward's failure to score in Portugal's 2-1 win over the Czech Republic.
The legendary striker dominated much of the pre-match buildup and made history with his sixth appearance at the European Championships.
However, Portugal had to turn to 21-year-old Francisco Conceicao to secure all three points after falling behind in the 62nd minute.
Fabregas was impressed with Ronaldo's performance, insisting that his all-round game has come a long way in recent years.
"His overall play has been much better than we have seen over the last couple of years," the former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder on punditry duty for BBC.
"At the end of the day, whatever you do, if the team plays well or the team does not play well, he always finds a chance.
"Either to create something for himself or for the team.
"In this moment I think he is feeling so much confidence."
Portugal went a goal down in the 62nd minute thanks to a wonder strike from Slavia Prague winger Lukas Provod.
Portugal got back on level terms six minutes later when a melee in the box forced Robin Hranac to turn the ball into his own net.
Ronaldo thought he had set up the winner in the closing stages, but he was judged to be offside.
Conceicao made no such mistake though, prodding the ball past Jindrich Stanek to snatch all three points.
Fabregas believes Ronaldo is one of a kind after a selfless display in Germany.
"Even with his body, he takes care of himself to another level," he added.
"His mentality, he just needs one turn, one moment, one little bit of space, to turn around and get something into the box or create a chance.
"The second goal came from him as well.
"He is always in front of the defender, it is unique."
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