"We're not in a life-or-death situation, but it's a bit more tense"

Speaking on Saturday, Ronaldo stressed that Portugal is not in a "life-or-death situation" but admitted it is "a bit more tense" as they must win on Sunday to reach the Nations League semi-finals, following a 1-0 defeat in the first leg.

"We're at a moment that isn't life or death, but it's a bit more tense because we know we have to win. But this is the beauty of football—these challenges—and we know that once we're on the pitch, we'll give our best and try to win," the Madeira-born forward said in a press conference held at the Cidade do Futebol training complex in Oeiras, near Lisbon, ahead of Saturday's training session.

Ronaldo insisted he is in a "positive mindset" ahead of Sunday's clash at the Estadio Jose Alvalade and underlined that the team's goal is to avoid repeating the mistakes made in Copenhagen last Thursday.

"I've lost matches over 90 minutes before, but I've never lost in the first half. Now comes the second half. Matches like this happen, bad days happen. I didn't play well, the team didn't play well, but it's part of life," he admitted.

"Even so, after Sunday's 90 minutes, we'll see who the better team is in the tie. I am certain that I will leave the Alvalade with my head held high," he added.

Asked about the team's morale, he insisted that "this isn't a time to be nervous" but rather to "focus on training well, rally the troops and stay positive".

He also affirmed that he is "always ready to play" but clarified that his priority is for Portugal to win, whether he is on the pitch or not.

"I have no doubt that I'll be fully fit because I know how to recover, I have the resources for it, and I'll be physically and mentally ready to help Portugal go through," he stated.

Portugal will take on Denmark on Sunday in the second leg of the Nations League quarter-finals, following what manager Roberto Martinez described as their "worst performance" in the past two years in Thursday's 1-0 defeat.