Portugal's talismanic forward Cristiano Ronaldo joined his team and trained alongside his teammates as they are set for a Euro 2016 build-up game against Estonia Estadio da Luz in Lisbon on Wednesday. This will be Portugal's last game ahead of their Euro 2016 campaign, which is scheduled to start in France on Friday. Portugal face Iceland on June 14.
Though it remains to be seen if Real Madrid star will feature against Estonia, he will play an important role for Portugal in Euro 2016. Ronaldo has not won major silverware in national colours, and he will be desperate to perform well in Euro 2016.
Besides Ronaldo, his club teammate Pepe was also given rest ahead of the Euros after Real Madrid's Champions league triumph. Both the players are in training now, and could make a huge difference, and especially Ronaldo, who makes this team look different and more confident when he is on the pitch.
Portugal coach Fernando Santos seems to be happy with the return of the duo, and he was all praise for Ronaldo.
"They needed to rest. It's better for everyone that they arrive happy and with that extra bounce after achieving their aims. If he is so important for Real, you can only imagine how significant he is for Portugal. Certainly the same or even more. When you have players that score 50 to 60 goals per season, and who can always score, they are of vital importance. It's impossible to quantify," AFP quoted Santos as saying in Marca.
However, they should not think too much ahead and concentrate on their friendly against Estonia, which should give them a huge opportunity to send warning signs to other teams in the competition with a thumping win.
Portugal's record has not been impressive during their friendly matches in 2016. They have lost two of their four matches, including their last game against England as well. Portugal lost to England in a close encounter 1-0. Such results reflect that they need to be on top of their toes in Euro 2016.
Estonia, on the other hand, will have a thing or two to prove after failing to make it to the Euros. Estonia finished fourth in their Euro 2016 qualifying stages, which included England as well. They just managed to win three matches, which is not enough to qualify for a prestigious competition like Euro 2016. Estonia might have drawn when the two teams squared off in their last head-to-head in 2009, but they are second favourites going into this encounter on Wednesday.
Where to watch live
Spain vs Georgia is scheduled to kick off at 8:45 p.m. local time (12:15 a.m. IST, 2:45 p.m. EST). There is no live TV coverage in India and UK.
In the US, viewers can catch the game on beIN Sports, online streaming will be available on beIN Sports connect.
Portugal viewers can watch the game on TVI.
