Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo is never one to lack on confidence, and the Portuguese superstar has been in fine form in front of goal again this World Cup with three goals in four matches heading into a massive Round of 16 tilt against rivals Spain and their collection of mostly Barcelona superstars, led by Lamine Yamal.
Spain are the reigning champions of Europe, so getting a win will not be easy for Portugal, especially since the Selecao looked very vulnerable, nearly losing to Ronaldo's old Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric and the Croatian national team - regular contenders at the World Cup.
Despite Portugal's flaws and the same clear tactical issues that have plagued manager Roberto Martinez at every big position he has held in his career, Ronaldo remains bullish on the chances of Portugal going further in this year's World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo sees the future
Speaking at a fiery press conference to reporters ahead of Portugal vs. Spain, Cristiano Ronaldo left no doubt that, in his mind, the Selecao will emerge as the winners against their neighbors. He said, via Fabrizio Romano, “My feeling is that we will win tomorrow, because we arrive with hope, let’s see”.
Although players like Ronaldo have a certain bravado about them, a common theme among the elite footballers and athletes of any ilk is their ability to almost predict the future. Ronaldo is not going to underestimate Spain by any means, and he has already gone out of his way to praise them, including their key star, right winger Lamine Yamal.
But Ronaldo is visualizing how the game is going to go, and you have to have that confidence that you will win no matter what. How many times did we see, whether against Wolfsburg or Barcelona, Cristano as a Madridista predicting a bold win or a comeback, assuring his teammates, and then making good on his prediction.
Real Madrid fans have seen this scene play out so many times, and in what will be his last World Cup, Madridistas are ready to see Ronaldo prove the doubters wrong once more. He already did with his brace against Uzbekistan and clutch performance against Croatia, as his detractors were happily declaring his demise already after just one game against DR Congo. If Ronaldo can make good on his prediction and help lead Portugal to victory over the mighty Spain, he will only add to his lore as the greatest ever Portuguese player - and then some.
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