30 June,2016 08:51 AM IST | | AFP
Two of Europe's most prolific marksmen go head-to-head as Portugal and Poland clash for a place in semi-finals, hopes will be on their star striker's Cristiano Ronaldo and Roberto Lewandowski to deliver
Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Robert Lewandowski. Pic/Getty Images
Marseille (France): Robert Lewandowski will aim to end Cristiano Ronaldo's dreams of landing an international trophy when Poland take on Portugal in a Euro 2016 quarter-final clash tonight.
Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Robert Lewandowski. Pic/Getty Images
Ronaldo is just one goal away from even more European championship history by matching French legend Michel Platini's record mark of nine goals in the finals.
The Real Madrid star has already become the first player to score in four Euros and broken the competition record for appearances.
Last chance for Ron?
At 31 Ronaldo is unlikely to get a better chance for international glory with the winners in Marseille facing a semi-final clash against his Real Madrid teammate Gareth Bale and Wales or Belgium.
Despite a double against Hungary to save Portugal's blushes to sneak through the group stage in third place, Ronaldo has yet to catch fire in France. "We'll always have a chance. We've got the best player in the world - Ronaldo - and the likes of Nani and Ricardo Quaresma," said Portugal defender Jose Fonte.
Portugal were criticised for their negative approach against Croatia, however, Fonte insists Fernando Santos's men don't care how they play as long as they make the last four. "If we have to play bad and win, I'll do it. As a team you want to play good football and win games but sometimes you can't."
Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny laughed off suggestions Ronaldo is not on top form. "Portugal are a great team, they are not just Cristiano Ronaldo and some say he is not playing his best. I would still love to have him in my team," said Szczesny.
Lewandowski is yet to find the net in four games in France. "We are not worried about Robert, not at all," said Poland assistant boss Hubert Malowiejski. "Of course he felt some pain after that match, but there is not even the slightest bit of doubt he will be ready for Portugal."
Szczesny admitted he is unlikely to return from the injury he suffered in Poland's opening 1-0 win over Northern Ireland. "I would not be able to help the team as Lukasz does at the moment, so of course I will not play against Portugal. I will try to support the team from the bench."
8
Number of goals scored by Cristiano Ronaldo in European championships
0
Number of goals Robert Lewandowski has scored in 4 Euro 2016 matches
1
Number of matches Portugal have won in 4 Euro 2016 encounters
4
Number of wins Portugal have registered over Poland in previous 10 meetings, with three draws
6
Record number of Euro quarter-finals Portugal have played
