Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka spoke about his clash with Cristiano Ronaldo during Slovakia's game against Portugal.
Slovakia goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has revealed his thought process when Cristiano Ronaldo clattered into him when they faced Portugal.
The Newcastle United goalkeeper was the victim of a Ronaldo lunge during his team's 1-0 defeat, and now he talks about how he felt during the incident.
)
10:34 - 09.09.2023
FOOTBALL Ronaldo lucky not to see red after hitting ex-Man United teammate in the face during Portugal’s win over Slovakia
The former United loanee was able to smell the danger and come quickly for the ball just before Ronaldo could get on the end of it
)
18:13 - 10.09.2023
Not like Messi vs Ronaldo — Haaland talks about Mbappe rivalry
Erling Haaland talks about how he and Mbappe differ from Messi and Ronaldo's rivalry.
What Dubravka said
The 34-year-old refuses to blame Ronaldo for the incident, as he understands that football is a contact sport.
He went on to reveal that he, like other goalkeepers, close their eyes and pray the damage from such contact is not excessive in those situations.
)
)
"In the shoulder, the neck and the chest," Dubravka revealed where Ronaldo hit him, per Goal.
“I just closed my eyes and prayed that he [Ronaldo] wouldn't hit me in the face as well. When I saw his studs coming at me, I didn't even look. These are situations when the goalkeeper closes his eyes and tries only to block the shot, and he, as a striker, has to go after such a ball.
“I don't blame him. It's sport, it's football. Situations like this belong to it. Of course, he realised he hit me. He asked me if I was OK. I take it sportingly.
"I try to keep a clear head in these situations. It is a contact sport. Today, when we have VAR at our disposal. There is no point in getting into it."
Related content
)
15:59 - 09.09.2023
Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal captain suspended for Euro 2024 qualifier against Luxembourg
Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo will be suspended for Portugal's next game.
10:34 - 09.09.2023
FOOTBALL Ronaldo lucky not to see red after hitting ex-Man United teammate in the face during Portugal’s win over Slovakia
The former United loanee was able to smell the danger and come quickly for the ball just before Ronaldo could get on the end of it
)
21:53 - 08.09.2023
Cristiano Ronaldo escapes RED CARD as Portugal scrape narrow win against Slovakia
Portugal continued their perfect start to European Championship qualifying with a 1-0 win over nearest challengers Slovakia.
)
21:00 - 05.09.2023
FOOTBALL: Ex-Leeds United midfielder included as Engin Firat names Harambee Stars traveling squad to face Qatar
The traveling party unsurprisingly consists mostly of foreign-based players, with only four local based players featuring in the squad.
)
13:00 - 28.08.2023
HARAMBEE STARS: Timbe returns from the cold as Engin Firat names Harambee Stars squad
Firat has named the provisional Harambee Stars squad set to travel to Qatar, the hosts of the 2022 World Cup to take part in a friendly match against The Maroons this September.
)
13:06 - 27.07.2023
FOOTBALL Flawless performance for Kenyan referee at FIFA Women's World Cup
The match official was at her brilliant best as an all-African crew took charge of Portugal's win over Vietnam.
)
08:30 - 10.07.2023
FOOTBALL: Oldest footballers in the world
The ten oldest footballers in the world mentioned in this article are a testament to the fact that age should never be a barrier to pursuing one's passion.
)
10:17 - 01.07.2023
Neighbours in Lisbon angry with Ronaldo after multi-million mansion falls behind schedule
According to sources in Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo's mansion near Lisbon falls a year behind schedule and has upset the football star's future neighbours.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
![[VIDEO] AFC Leopards coach Tomas Trucha escapes wrath of angry fans after Ulinzi Stars loss](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/03112024/e18b8bcd-3659-4f97-ae2f-53f48f19137c.jpg?operations=fit(600:))
)
)