Cristiano Ronaldo has been branded a “bad loser” and “petty” for criticising Euro 2016 opponents Iceland following Tuesday’s 1-1 draw.
The Portugal captain hit out at the Islanders’ “small mentality” claiming they lacked ambition during the Group F game.
He also called it a “lucky night” for his opponents and accused them of putting “the bus in the net”.
In defence of his nation, Iceland midfielder, Kari Arnason, responded on Wednesday saying “It just makes it sweeter that he is a bad loser.
“We are a small island in the Atlantic Ocean and we got a draw against them.”
The Malmo player also suggested Lionel Messi, Ronaldo’s long-time rival, was a more loveable character.
“His comments are the reason why Messi is always going to be one step ahead of him,” said Arnason.
Iceland reached Euro 2016 by finishing second in their qualifying group, above the likes of Turkey and the Netherlands, who failed to make it to France.
And former Iceland international Hermann Hreidarsson said his side deserves some respect and criticised the Real Madrid forward for not doing enough in Saint-Etienne.
“He didn’t fancy it on the day and he just got beaten up,” said Hreidarsson. “It’s petty in a way. He’s a sore loser obviously.”
The former Ipswich, Charlton and Portsmouth defender, 41, added: “He thought he could have goals handed to him on a plate.
“If he would have worked as hard as every Icelandic player, he wouldn’t have had to say anything because I’m sure he would have got his rewards.”
Birkir Bjarnason’s 50th-minute volley earned Iceland a point against Portugal after Nani had opened the scoring in the first half.
Hungary top Group F after beating Austria 2-0 earlier on Tuesday.
