Euro 2016: Nani backs Cristiano Ronaldo to rise and shine against Croatia

Winger backs his former Manchester United team-mate

Ronaldo scored twice in Portugal's 3-3 draw with Hungary (Getty)

Rarely has a player been the centre of attention as much as Cristiano Ronaldo has during this European Championship - but there is just no getting away from the man.

Nani yesterday was forced to field questions not about himself or his team-mates in general but about - yes - the Real Madrid and Portugal forward whose side face Croatia in the last 16 tonight. His every shot, pass, body swerve, show of petulance, wink and smile is scrutinised. He probably loves it - but he has not cut a happy bunny so far in France, throwing microphones in lakes one minute, berating referees the next.

Nani, though, thinks the happy Ronnie is ready to emerge after he scored twice against Hungary in the 3-3 draw - a result that secured progress to the last 16. “Everyone knows Cristiano and what he can do at any time, in any minute in a game,” Nani said. "I am 100 per cent sure he will go on and score more goals now. No one can say anything against him. He is a fantastic player. He showed it again against Hungary when everyone was talking about him - he has shut them all up now.

“I think Cristiano has always been there, always playing well for us throughout the tournament.” Despite some faltering displays against Austria and Iceland and a third-place finish in Group F, Nani insists the squad is ready to face an impressive Croatia side.

“Any team we play, we must believe we can win so it doesn't matter who we will face now,” he said. “It will be difficult against Croatia. They have one day more than us to rest but we are professional, so we will get a quick rest and prepare for the game.”

Portugal have won all three of their previous meetings with Croatia without conceding, but are up against a side unbeaten in 10 games.

Croatia coach Ante Cacic feels his team could not have faced much tougher opposition but is confident they can handle Ronaldo and co. “At this stage of the competition there is no easy opponent, but we have got maybe the toughest,” he said. "But, we were in the hardest group of the tournament and we managed to progress so there is no reason that we won't go into this match without confidence. We respect Portugal, but we believe in our quality, togetherness and character which we have shown until now and we are looking forward to this challenge.”

Luka Modric will return after he was rested against Spain, having limped off against the Czech Republic, and will come up against his Real Madrid team-mate Ronaldo.