Euro 2016: Redemption on Cristiano Ronaldo’s mind

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo at a training session in Marcoussis, south of Paris, on Friday ahead of their Euro Group F clash against Austria. (Photo: AFP )

Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is looking to make amends for a poor performance and some unwise words when his side take on Austria at Euro 2016 on Saturday.

Ronaldo was eclipsed in his opening Group F game, and after the 1-1 draw against Iceland he lambasted the North Atlantic minnows for their “small mentality” because of their defensive tactics.

Iceland’s defence froze out Ronaldo who is looking for a goal that will make him the first to score in four European Championship tournaments.

The Real Madrid ace has been lambasted across the continent for his petulant outburst with Iceland’s Karni Arnason labelling him “not a gracious human being”.

For Ronaldo’s sake, Austria will also need to attack after a side led by Bayern Munich’s David Alaba — increasingly rated after their stunning qualifying campaign — were shocked 2-0 by neighbours Hungary in their opening game.

Despite a forgiving format allowing 16 of the 24 teams to progress to the knockout stages, defeat for either side will leave them facing an embarrassing early exit.

“The group is relaxed, and despite the draw we still feel good,” said Portuguese teenager Renato Sanches, who will team up with Alaba at Bayern next season after sealing a 35 million euro move from Benfica.

“This only gives us motivation and desire because we know that every game will be more difficult now. So I think the group is quietly determined.”

Portugal dominated against Iceland, the smallest country ever to take part in a Euros with a population of just 330,000. Ronaldo had 10 of Portugal’s 24 shots on goal, but they were denied by an outstanding display from Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson.

Lukaku in firing line as Belgium face Ireland Belgium head into their clash with the Republic of Ireland desperate to atone for their opening defeat to Italy as debate rages about whether Romelu Lukaku should be dropped.

Marc Wilmots’ side are second in world rankings but they disappointed in in their first Group E outing. Lukaku’s profligacy in front of goal contributed to that loss and coach Wilmots has indicated that, with Michy Batshuayi, Divock Origi and Christian Benteke all waiting in the wings, the Everton striker could pay the price.