ASK THE COACH! Ronaldo (left) wouldn't comment on Portugal's exit
CAPE TOWN: Portugal star Cristaino Ronaldo blamed under-fire coach Carlos Queiroz for the 1-0 defeat by Spain at Green Point Stadium this morning as Portugal crashed out of the World Cup.
The Real Madrid attacker refused to comment on the performance and result, and told reporters to ask Queiroz for the reasons.
"How do I explain Portugal's elimination? Talk to Carlos Queiroz," Ronaldo told RTP, as he stormed out of the mixed zone, without addressing any other reporters.
Ronaldo had a poor game, himself — and he is supposed to be one of the best in the world.
An upset Hugo Almeida also dismissed comments from Queiroz on his condition after being replaced by midfielder Danny — leaving Portugal without a single striker for almost 15 minutes — as the coach felt the striker was tired.
Almeida brushed aside such claims and stressed he was in good condition to help the team.
"I was not surprised with my substitution. I was upset because I wanted to play, but the coach is the one to make decisions. Our team played well, but we could not do get a result," he said.
"I was not worn out." Almeida admitted the European champions were deserving winners.
"The better team won. Spain started out very well, they have an excellent team, but we fought really well. Unfortunately, they were better.
"Now we have to raise our heads because we played very well. We created some chances, but we could not do it. We are a team. If Portugal lost, we all lost.
"The coach is the one to have the options. I know I could have given more — but the coach felt I was worn out. We have 23 players, he is a coach, he decides. We just have to give our best."
Queiroz, meanwhile, thinks his side had plenty of chances to progress to the last eight.
"Spain's circulation of the ball was much more effective and dominated the game," he said.
"But we had our chances but could not score. In the end, Spain, for the dominance they had, created chances and the result was justified.
"It was a shame we could not score with the chances we had, because that would have balanced the game in terms of pitch dominance. Portugal made a worthy game, players fought with ambition and desire to win, but today it was not possible. We have to come back stronger.
"We made a great display, the players were fantastic and they should all be congratulated.
"The Portuguese fans have every reason to be proud of the brilliant and worthy way the team played at this World Cup."
Portugal conceded the only goal of the match just minutes after replacing lone striker Almeida with midfielder Danny.
Queiroz justified that decision, saying the Werder Bremen striker was worn out.
"The effort he made in the first half... that was the plan — to wear out Spain on the defensive end, and then use our fastest and most creative weapons. But unfortunately the goal came along and with that we had to chase the result," said the former Manchester United assistant manager.
However, later Ronaldo explained his criticism of Queiroz. He insisted his comments after the defeat were misconstrued and insisted that there is nothing more to it.
"When I said to ask the coach it was simply because Queiroz was at a Press conference and journalists could hear his explanations and because I did not feel in the right condition to explain what happened," he told Marca.
"I never thought that these simple and innocent words could cause so much controversy. So I ask you not to look for ghosts where none exist. There is no case whatsoever.
"I am suffering and I have the right to suffer alone. I am devastated, completely devastated, frustrated and with unimaginable sadness," said the Portugal captain.
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