Ronaldo acknowledged that the pre-tournament preparation under the coaching staff had been demanding, yet he emphasised that true championship credentials are only proven once the group phase intensifies. Demanding a focused, methodical approach from his team-mates, the veteran goalscorer outlined the exact strategy required to safely navigate the tournament.
He stated: “It was tiring because we worked hard. In the matches, victories prevailed, but the most important thing is when the ball starts rolling on the 17th, in the first match. After that, when things start getting tough, that’s when we’ll see the true champions. It will depend on many factors. I am very positive that things will go well. The important thing is to finish first in the group, and after that, it’s game by game, step by step, calmly gaining confidence and finding our rhythm.”
