11 September 2023 , 10:46
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Martin Dubravka has refused to lay blame at Cristiano Ronaldo's feet - quite literally - following the pair’s horror collision.
The two former Manchester United teammates were involved in a bruising incident whilst on international duty as Portugal faced off with Slovakia. Following a miskick from the current Al-Nassr star, Dubravka rushed out to claim the loose ball.
He got there first, only to then see Ronaldo slam into him with a studs-up sliding challenge. Dubravka was left writhing in pain and had to receive treatment, whilst the Portuguese forward received a booking and was then given a reprieve by VAR amid calls for a dismissal.
Now, Dubravka - who was able to play the full 90 minutes - has offered his view on the incident and has revealed what was going through his mind at the time. Speaking to reporters, the goalkeeper said: "[He hit me] In the shoulder, the neck and the chest.
“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.”
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However, Dubravka has refused to blame Ronaldo for the heavy collision and insists that it was just part and parcel of the game. He added: “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.
Cristiano Ronaldo slides in on Martin Dubravka during Slovakia's clash with Portugal (Getty Images)Should Ronaldo have been sent off? Share your thoughts in the comments below
“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.”
Whilst Ronaldo avoided a red card, he will still have to serve a suspension. The yellow card that he was shown was his third of the current qualifying campaign, meaning that he is now banned.
That will see him miss Monday’s clash with Luxembourg in the Algarve. It will be the first international match that he has missed since a 4-0 victory against Nigeria in November 2022.
Portugal could all-but secure their spot at next summer’s Euros with a victory against Luxembourg. International teammate and Paris Saint-Germain forward Goncalo Ramos has been full of praise for Ronaldo’s influence and has confirmed that he has returned to Al-Nassr.
He said: "Cris [Ronaldo] always gives great support, he has been with the team until today [Sunday] supporting us and helping in whatever way he can, but at this moment he has already returned to his club."