Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal boss Roberto Martinez makes stance clear after anger boils over in Georgia loss
Cristiano Ronaldo was furious at being denied a penalty in Portugal's 2-0 defeat to Georgia at Euro 2024
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Portugal boss Roberto Martinez believes Cristiano Ronaldo was right to be angry after their 2-0 defeat to Georgia on Wednesday.
Martinez's side went into the game full of confidence after victories over Turkey and Czech Republic in their opening two matches of Euro 2024.
However, goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze have Georgia all three points - with the minnows also going through to the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
During the match, Ronaldo cut a frustrated figure.
Cristiano Ronaldo was furious at being denied a penalty in Portugal's 2-0 defeat to Georgia at Euro 2024
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The former Manchester United and Juventus star spurned several chances to score, with Georgia managing to keep the veteran at bay.
Ronaldo was also enraged when Portugal weren't given a penalty after the football icon was bundled down inside the box.
The Al-Nassr star chased referee Sandro Scharer, who waved play on, and could also be seen pointing to his eye.
The game stopped for a VAR check but nothing was given, with Ronaldo then booked as his fury boiled over.
Ronaldo also threw a strop as he was substituted, having failed to score in the group stages of a European Championships for the first time.
Martinez has now addressed the antics of his star man.
And the Portugal boss believes Ronaldo was right to be aggrieved, saying: "We weren't lucky and then the VAR wasn't consistent, because there's a situation with Cristiano.
"We're talking about what VAR can do. You can look back and give a penalty.
"The situation in the 27th minute is even clearer, more of a penalty than the one we suffered."
Martinez also admitted the result was the 'worst one' possible, while also criticising his side for their poor start.
"It was the worst result. It was a game in which we started badly," he added.
"Conceding the goal really highlighted what the opponent wanted to do.
"We always had a good attitude, looking at the goal and trying to score the goal.
"Today Georgia had the key moments, the second goal, all the goalkeeper's energy and performance. We need to congratulate them.
"And now it's time to look to the round of 16 and have the team better prepared.
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Cristiano Ronaldo's anger boiled over as Portugal lost 2-0 to Georgia at Euro 2024
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"We don't want to lose, but we have all the players.
"We continued to try to control the game, but when the opponent has an advantage to defend it's different.
"They have belief and strength. We started and it was another game, it wasn't a game that we needed to win."
Kvaratskhelia left the game with Ronaldo's shirt, with the Georgia star delighted after playing against his hero.
And the Georgia star, who caught up with Ronaldo before the game, has now revealed what they discussed.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been defended by Roberto Martinez after Portugal lost to Georgia at Euro 2024
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"Before the match he wished me success," he said.
"I would never imagine he would come and talk to me. He's a great player and a great person. That's why he's a great personality in and out of football.
“I have so much respect for him, he's one of the best players in the world. When he comes to talk to you before the match, that's amazing.
“That helped us believe we could do something today."
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