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Diego Maradona Believes Cristiano Ronaldo Hunger In Euro 2016 Final Could Be Vital
If Cristiano Ronaldo is hungry to win Euro 2016 with Portugal, they will be hard to beat according to Diego Maradona.
Diego Maradona believes just how desperate Cristiano Ronaldo is for a major international title could decide Portugal's Euro 2016 final against France.
Ronaldo and Co. face the tournament hosts in Paris on Sunday, with Portugal looking to win their first major trophy.
Fernando Santos' men, who have had Ronaldo score three times at the tournament, have been criticised for their style of play in reaching the decider.
However, football great Maradona feels Portugal are capable of causing an upset – if Ronaldo wants it enough.
"It's not all about strategy in big games. Wanting something badly is big motivation," he wrote in The Times of India.
"Playing a second final at 31, Ronaldo won't get a better chance at international glory.
"How badly he wants it could determine the distance between France and yet another successful home run."
While Ronaldo has done enough for Portugal, Antoine Griezmann has been the star of Euro 2016 with six goals.
Maradona said Santos' side needed to be careful when facing the Atletico Madrid forward.
He wrote: "Like France thinking of containing CR7, Portugal will be wary of AG7. Griezmann has a lovely touch, a sublime left foot, and his six goals have lit up the tournament.
"They carry the confidence of dumping Germany, while Portugal have had an additional day of rest, with time to think about the blue wave about to test their defence."