Quaresma gets some playing time, and a goal for Portugal

Posted June 25, 2018 7:00 am

By MAURICIO SAVARESE

Portugal's Ricardo Quaresma, left, celebrates scoring his team's opening goal along with teammate Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo during the group B match between Iran and Portugal at the 2018 soccer World Cup at the Mordovia Arena in Saransk, Russia, Monday, June 25, 2018. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin) The Associated Press

SARANSK, Russia (AP) - Criticized back home and spurned by many of Portugal's fans, Ricardo Quaresma sat on the bench for his team's opening two World Cup matches.

He finally got some playing time in the third on Monday, and he scored in the 1-1 draw against Iran that earned Portugal a spot in the round of 16.

"Yes, this goal is an answer," Quaresma said, referring to the flak he has been taking in Portugal. "It was a great goal. I was lucky to hit it where I had to."

The veteran striker scored a spectacular goal with the outside of his foot at the Mordovia Arena - a shot likely to be remembered by all those who had wanted him to stay home.

The 34-year-old Quaresma was picked by coach Fernando Santos to replace Goncalo Guedes. He was applauded by the fans in Saransk when he left the field in the middle of the second half.

Quaresma said the same critics didn't want him to play at the 2016 European Championship in France. But Portugal came back from that tournament as champions and Quaresma was seen as a key leader of that squad.

"I still have a lot to offer," said Quaresma, who plays for Turkish club Besiktas. "People can say whatever they want."

Portugal finished second in Group B and will next face Uruguay in Sochi on Saturday. Quaresma said he didn't know if he would play in that match, but he still had praise for Santos.

"Our coach has the power to take the best of us," Quaresma said. "We had a very tough group in the World Cup and now a different tournament begins. He will be even more important now."

Quaresma also praised teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed a penalty in the match against Iran but has scored four goals at this year's World Cup.

"I don't know what else Cristiano has to do for Portugal," Quaresma said. "He is the key to our success."

___

More AP World Cup coverage: www.apnews.com/tag/WorldCup

Portugal's Ricardo Quaresma, second left, celebrates scoring his team's opening goal along with teammate Portugal's Andre Silva during the group B match between Iran and Portugal at the 2018 soccer World Cup at the Mordovia Arena in Saransk, Russia, Monday, June 25, 2018. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin) The Associated Press

Iran goalkeeper Ali Beiranvand fails to stop Portugal's Ricardo Quaresma's opening goal during the group B match between Iran and Portugal at the 2018 soccer World Cup at the Mordovia Arena in Saransk, Russia, Monday, June 25, 2018. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin) The Associated Press

Portugal's Ricardo Quaresma lies on the ground after a clash with Iran's Saeid Ezatolahi as hand are offered to help him up during the group B match between Iran and Portugal at the 2018 soccer World Cup at the Mordovia Arena in Saransk, Russia, Monday, June 25, 2018. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Categories
Content Providers MLS Pro Sports Soccer Sports Sports Leagues Sports Types

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.