Ronaldo again took centre stage as Portugal gave a news conference on Friday, although the player wheeled out to face the media was unassuming reserve striker Silvestre Varela.
Having scored a last-gasp winner in the 3-2 win over Denmark on Wednesday, Varela might have made interesting subject matter in his own right especially as he has struggled to hold down a first-team place at Porto this season.
"One thing has nothing do with the other," he said curtly, replying to the request for a comparison between Ronaldo's club and international form.
"Football is a team game. When then team is playing well, then all the players are also doing well and Ronaldo has nothing to prove to anyone."
"Ronaldo has been doing well for us," he insisted. "He's an excellent player and captain. We are all ready to make sacrifices for Portugal."
Ronaldo's facial gestures in the present tournament have suggested enormous frustration with both himself and team mates, particularly striker Helder Postiga.
He look more relieved than happy after the win over Denmark where he missed two excellent chances to put Portugal 3-1 ahead, giving Denmark the chance to make it 2-2 before Varela's goal spared his blushes.
"Do you know where Messi was this time last year?," he said. "He was being knocked out of the Copa America on home soil with Argentina. I think that's worse."
"The pressure comes from the media, there is none from us, he is here to help us and try and solve problems," he said after the Denmark game.
"There is not a single player among the 23 in the squad who feel any sense of frustration."
