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Ronaldo still positive about Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo is still confident he will be turning out for Portugal at UEFA EURO 2008™ next summer despite last night's disappointing 1-1 draw in Armenia.

Cristiano Ronaldo is still confident he will be turning out in Austria and Switzerland when the UEFA EURO 2008™ finals roll around next summer.

Positive approach
Despite the 1-1 draw in Armenia last night that left Portugal four points behind Group A leaders Poland and three adrift of Finland in second, Ronaldo saw reason to be cheerful. "We needed the points but we are playing at home in the next two matches and we have everything to play for," he said. "[Armenia] ran more than us but it was irrelevant as we created more chances. Armenia were very confident and now we will have to think in a more positive way."

Superb goal
In an open first half, Ronaldo's strike ensured parity for his side going into the interval but there was to be no further scoring in Yerevan as the home side stifled the visitors and could even have snatched a late winner. The Manchester United FC starlet's goal was much needed as Robert Arzumanyan had put his side in front after just 12 minutes and there was every sign of a second coming for the hosts. Ronaldo capitalised on a defensive mistake by slotting the ball under Roman Berezovsky after deceiving the goalkeeper by feigning a pass across the middle.

Tough tests
"Our goal was to win but we couldn't take the three points despite the team playing well," Ronaldo added. "Armenia were in great shape, particularly during the first half. Maybe they were physically better than us and we know that against Portugal the opponents always raise their game." No teams in the section will do that more than Poland and Serbia, Portugal's next opponents in September. Both those sides have hopes of qualifying but with Ronaldo on song after his 18th international goal, expectation is still high that the 2004 hosts will be there for the 2008 party.

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