'Iceland didn't try nothing, they just defend, defend, defend, it was a lucky night for them'
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has criticised Iceland's 'small mentality' while saying they were fortunate to earn a 1-1 draw against his team in their European Championship Group F opener in St Etienne on Tuesday.
Real Madrid ace Ronaldo had ten of Portugal's 24 shots on goal in Saint Etienne on Tuesday, but failed to become the first man to score in four European Championships.
The 31-year-old equalled Luis Figo's record number of caps with both the Portugal legends now on 127 appearances. But Ronaldo stormed off after the final whistle, clearly frustrated by his own failure in front of goal, while Iceland scored by converting one of only four chances.
Iceland's dogged defence was capped by an outstanding display from Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson. "It was difficult over the 90 minutes, because they scored one goal and that was after they had put every player behind the ball," fumed Ronaldo.
"They put the bus in the net. (Parked the bus in front of goal).
"We tried our best, we created many chances and kept the ball.
"Iceland didn't try nothing, they just defend, defend, defend, they had two chances and scored a goal, it was a lucky night for them.
"We're frustrated, they didn't try and play."
"It's why I think they will do nothing here. In my opinion, it's a small mentality."
"It's difficult when Portugal tries to win the game and the other team doesn't."
The Icelandic football association was quick to reply, “Ronaldo accuses us of a small country mentality for celebrating the point. What kind of mentality is whining the whole game? Be happy, enjoy!”
Iceland hero Kari Arnason hit back at 'sore loser' Ronaldo after the Portugal captain complained.
A superb finish by Nani gave Portugal the lead before Iceland's industrious midfielder Birkir Bjarnason volleyed the equaliser.
Portugal next face Austria in Paris on Saturday and conclude their group stage campaign against Hungary in Lyon four days later.
