ANALYSIS [Video]: Maradona says Portugal too reliant on Ronaldo

Portugal are "too dependent" on captain Cristiano Ronaldo as they prepare to face Croatia in the last 16 of Euro 2016, according to Diego Maradona.

Ronaldo and Co. scrapped through to the knockout round following their thrilling 3-3 draw against Hungary in Group F on Wednesday.

A brace from Ronaldo not only saw the Real Madrid star become the first player to score in four editions of the European Championships but it helped Portugal set-up a showdown with tournament favourites Croatia in Lens on Saturday.

But former Argentina international Maradona - regarded as one of the greatest players of all-time - believes Portugal's reliance on Ronaldo works against them.

"Portugal are too dependent on Ronaldo," Maradona said in a column for the Times of India. "He was brilliant against Hungary, but they are half the force if he doesn't click and the tactically astute Croats will ensure he is low on supply.

"He may have to move around for space and chances of Portugal's success hinge on how well he does that. They also have to plug holes in midfield and defence, because these are areas where mistakes may lead to elimination. Croatia start favourites."

Portugal qualified for the round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams, despite not winning a game.

VIDEO
With the country getting ready to play Croatia on Saturday, we speak to Portuguese football expert Tom Kundert about media reaction back home with regards to how the team fared in the group stage. Gary Al-Smith hosted Tom on The Pulse on Joy News.

They touch on
* Cristiano Ronaldo's on- and off-field headlines from the Euros

* Why people at home don't think the team is too reliant on CR7

* Prospect of crashing out against Croatia on Saturday.

Story by Ghana/Joy Sports/Gary Al-Smith