Portugal boss Fernando Santos has defended Cristiano Ronaldo after he missed a penalty in Friday s 1-0 friendly defeat to Bulgaria.
The Real Madrid star, who has twice missed from the spot for his club this season, saw his second-half effort saved by Vladislav Stoyanov as the visitors held on for a surprise win.
Portugal were unable to make their dominance of the match count against the inspired Stoyanov, but Santos insists he has no concerns that Ronaldo s form will desert him at Euro 2016.
In the national team, and the clubs where he s been, Cristiano has always been a reference always worth 40, 50 goals per season, Santos told a media conference.
He didn t score [against Bulgaria] but he s reserving his goals for the Euros.
We created many chances but we couldn t score. If we didn t create then, yes, I would be apprehensive.
Bulgaria boss Ivaylo Petev was thrilled with his side s victory, which came courtesy of a 19th-minute goal from 31-year-old debutant Marcelinho, but he is backing Portugal as potential winners in France this year despite their travails in attack.
It was an extremely prestigious game for us against a quality opponent, he said. We tried to take every opportunity to reverse the Portugal attack using our counter-attacks. However, Portugal had opportunities and we owe this victory to our goalkeeper.
I hope that Portugal get as far as possible in the Euros. They are capable of being champions.
