Cristiano Ronaldo more confident after double for Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo is more confident after his double for Portugal, says Fernando Santos

Portugal coach Fernando Santos had a warning for last-16 opponents Croatia after Cristiano Ronaldo broke his duck at Euro 2016.

After 20 efforts on goal without scoring in Portugal’s opening two games, the Real Madrid star netted twice in a pulsating 3-3 draw with Hungary.

Defeat would have sent Portugal home and they had to come from behind three times against the Group F winners.

Santos said: “This is what Cristiano is all about. He has to score because he’s a winner. He plays up front and feeds on goals.

“This game increased his confidence levels. He’s a confident and determined player, but this will increase his confidence for the game against Croatia.

“The most important thing was to make it through to the next stage but we wanted to do it as the group winners.

“That’s why we pressed on for a fourth goal although we knew we were taking risks. Three times we were out of the tournament and three times we came back; it shows character akin to only a few teams.”

Portugal came from behind three times to claim the draw

Hungary were already through and will play Belgium, the highest-ranked team in the tournament, in the last 16.

Coach Bernd Storck said: “I think it’s a dream for the whole of Hungary – I’m speechless. The fans really supported us in the two previous games, but today it was even better.”

Storck had thought about resting 37-year-old Zoltan Gera, who became the second oldest goalscorer in European Championship finals history behind Austria’s Ivica Vastic.

The Ferencvaros playmaker said: “We’re on a fantastic journey. It means a lot to the team. The best wine is the oldest one, and the oldest wine is getting better and better, and I’m happy about that.”