Pedro: We can stop Ronaldo

Pedro is confident Spain can contain Portgual captain Cristiano Ronaldo when they meet in their Euro 2012 semi-final on Wednesday.

The Real Madrid man has been in excellent form in his last two games, scoring three goals against Netherlands and Czech Republic, firing his side into the final four of the competition in the process.

Despite Ronaldo’s scintillating play in the tournament, Barcelona star Pedro believes he and his international team-mates will be able to stop him in his tracks.

“Cristiano is a fantastic player who’s in a great form and that must be taken into account. But I think we know how to neutralise him, so let’s wait and see what happens, we are very confident but it will be difficult,” he said.

The 24-year-old believes Vicente del Bosque’s side are peaking just at the right time in the competition, and feels this team matches the quality of the squad that triumphed in Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup.

“We are virtually the same players as in the past, we are confident, playing well, and I think in that sense this team is as good as in the last Euro or World Cup,” he said.

“We’re hitting our stride at the right time and we hope to play a great game against Portugal.”

Pedro was delighted with Spain’s performance against France after they eased to a 2-0 victory, and he admitted it was satisfying to beat a good team in such a manner.

“The team played well, the first goal calmed us down and we managed to keep possession. Being in control against a good team such as France should make us feel very satisfied,” he said.

“It was also important because of the history between the two teams. They have always been a very tough rival, so it was so important to play a great match and finally beat them.”