Portugal attacker Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted that he is not troubled by the constant pressure to perform for the Seleccao, and pointed out that even Ballon d'Or holder Lionel Messi has his critics.
The Real Madrid man was the subject of scathing attacks after his underwhelming performances against Germany and Denmark in Group B of Euro 2012, but responded well with superb showings against the Netherlands and the Czech Republic.
"Even Messi has his critics. You can't please everyone. But I don't get angry or frustrated by it," Ronaldo told reporters.
"The bigger star you become, the greater pressure there is on you to perform at a level acceptable to get people off your back.
"I accept it as a part of being a professional footballer. It takes a bigger man to ignore it and just get on with playing. I don't have an agenda where I set out to appease critics. I just go out and play to the best of my ability."
Ronaldo then took time to praise the unity within Paulo Bento's squad, and said that the Seleccao's team spirit is the key to their success.
"We're improving and that's important. There is great unity in our squad, we've a good team spirit and that helps," he added.
"It's been difficult to get this far, but we enter this stage with a great deal of optimism no matter who we face in the semi-final.
"Our objective now is to reach the final. Why not? There's greater pressure on other sides in this tournament and we've been able to progress without excessive expectations.
"No matter what happens now we should all be congratulated."
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