Patricio backs Ronaldo to score

Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio is positive that team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo will score in Sunday’s Euro 2012 match against Netherlands.

The Real Madrid star has come under fire after failing to impress in the country’s first two matches at Euro 2012, missing clear chances on goal.

He has yet to find the back of the net in the tournament, but Patricio believes that the 27-year-old will break his duck in the decisive match against the Oranje.

“Cristiano always plays well,” he told UEFA’s official website. “Things not always go the best way, also when it comes to finishing, but only those who play miss chances.

“Still, Cristiano had an excellent game, he tried hard and I believe that he will score on Sunday already.”

Questioned about Netherlands, Patricio said that he trusts Portugal’s chances for the match despite acknowledging that the Dutch are tough to beat.

“We will have to approach this game the same way we did against Germany and Denmark,” the Sporting Lisbon goalkeeper said.

“We will have to give our all, we will need to be aggressive and do everything that we have done so far. We will have to believe until the end that we can beat Netherlands.

“They are a very strong team, with excellent players and great attackers.

“Our main goal has always been to reach the quarter-finals. We know we have a very hard game ahead, but we will do everything to progress.”