The spotlight on Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo from Madeira remains bright. At 39, Ronaldo is still prepared to battle for his nation on the pitch, a testament to his enduring dedication. Portugal's coach, Roberto Martinez, underscores Ronaldo's significance in the squad, a sentiment supported by his consistent impact over six Euro editions. Smael Football documents Ronaldo's contributions to Portugal in the Euros. Here’s a detailed review.
The slender talent from Sporting Lisbon, Cristiano Ronaldo, had just been acquired by Manchester United when he was swiftly included in Portugal's Euro 2004 squad. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari saw Ronaldo’s potential to shine alongside stars like Luis Figo. Ronaldo made his Euro debut in Portugal's opening Group A match against Greece, where he scored his first international goal from a Luis Figo corner, at just 19 years and 128 days old. Despite this, Portugal fell to Greece in the opener.
In the knockout stages, Ronaldo was pivotal in Portugal's victory over England in the round of 16, confidently converting a penalty. He also netted an opening goal in the semi-final against the Netherlands, leading Portugal to the final. However, the Greek team once again thwarted Portugal's ambitions, securing the championship and leaving Portugal as runners-up.
Há exatos 19 anos:
— Futebol Nostálgico! (@futnostalgico) July 5, 2023
A decepção de Cristiano Ronaldo e Felipão na final da Euro 2004. pic.twitter.com/DnxvIyGGZj
Ronaldo wept. Amidst thousands of Portuguese fans at Lisbon's Estádio Da Luz, Ronaldo mourned his defeat. Even now, CR7 recalls that moment as the darkest point in his career. Yet, his tears became a source of inspiration for fellow Portuguese players, including Bruno Fernandes. Fernandes, now a Manchester United star, was deeply moved by Ronaldo's passionate commitment to his country.
As he matured into a superstar, Ronaldo sought redemption at Euro 2008, determined to claim the title after the previous final's disappointment. However, the tournament in Switzerland and Austria turned into another nightmare. Despite Luiz Felipe Scolari's continued leadership, the Selecao Das Aquinas only reached the quarterfinals, and Ronaldo managed just one goal. Nevertheless, Ronaldo's presence in the squad remained profoundly impactful.
🔙 📸 Cristiano Ronaldo vs Turkey in Euro 2008. pic.twitter.com/Gf0HjkJcSK
— The CR7 Timeline. (@TimelineCR7) March 23, 2022
When CR7 was benched for Portugal's final group stage match against Switzerland, the team suffered a 2-0 defeat, a stark contrast to their victories over Turkey and the Czech Republic in the previous matches. This decision sparked controversy, with coach Luiz Felipe Scolari facing heavy criticism from the Portuguese public for not starting Ronaldo.
By Euro 2012, Ronaldo was entrusted with the captaincy and was determined to secure the Henry Delaunay trophy for Portugal. In a BBC interview, Ronaldo stated his sole aim was to reach the final and clinch the championship. Confident in the strength of Paulo Bento's squad, Ronaldo believed they could achieve this goal.
During the group stage, Ronaldo's brilliance was on full display as he dismantled the Dutch national team with two goals at Metalist Stadium in Ukraine, leading to the Netherlands' elimination. His impressive form continued in the quarterfinals, where he scored the decisive goal against the Czech Republic, propelling Portugal to the semi-finals to face Spain.
ON THIS DAY IN 2016:
— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) June 30, 2023
Moutinho didn’t want to take Penalty against Poland at the EURO 2016 because he missed a penalty against Spain in EURO 2012.
Cristiano Ronaldo convinced him to take the penalty and then he scored.
Leader. 👏
pic.twitter.com/f4JQqtASEs
Unfortunately, the clash with La Furia Roja required a penalty shootout to determine the winner. Portugal lost to Spain before CR7 had a chance to take his penalty. Despite his significant impact on the team, Ronaldo still hadn't secured a trophy for Portugal.
In Euro 2016, Ronaldo once again captained the Portuguese national team under new coach Fernando Santos, remaining the focal point of their attack. This time, Ronaldo was positioned more as a pure striker rather than a winger, which allowed him to conserve energy while still influencing the game. His two goals in a dramatic 3-3 draw against Hungary in the final group match helped Portugal advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
Ronaldo's influence grew in the knockout stages, particularly evident in the semi-final against Wales. His crucial second-half header broke the deadlock, sending Portugal to their first Euro final since 2004. Facing host nation France in the final was a daunting task, made even more challenging when Ronaldo suffered an injury and had to leave the pitch. Despite his tears and frustration, fearing he couldn't help his team from the sidelines, Ronaldo's spirit remained unbroken. He became an impassioned motivator, encouraging his teammates alongside coach Fernando Santos.
Six years ago today, Portugal beat France at Euro 2016 as Cristiano Ronaldo won his first international trophy.
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 10, 2022
Never forget the way he coached his teammates to victory 😅
(via @EURO2024)pic.twitter.com/xbcANoqJAX
Indeed, CR7 remains dedicated to contributing to his country, even when unable to play. Portugal managed to hold on without conceding in extra time, eventually securing a goal through Eder that marked the culmination of Ronaldo's journey with the national team. After years of struggle since 2004, Ronaldo finally savored the Euro title with his beloved country—an immensely emotional moment for him, transforming tears of injury into tears of joy.
The task of defending the Euro title became Ronaldo's focus at Euro 2020. His performance was nothing short of spectacular, scoring five goals consecutively in matches against Hungary, France, and Germany. Despite Portugal's elimination in the round of 16 by Belgium, Ronaldo emerged as the top scorer of Euro 2020, solidifying his position as the all-time leading scorer in Euro history with a remarkable 14 goals, surpassing Michel Platini's record of 9 goals. He also clinched his first Euro golden boot award.
Moreover, Ronaldo set an example off the pitch by promoting health, famously removing soft drink products during a Euro 2020 press conference. His achievements make him a true legend of the Euro, with numerous records that may stand unmatched for years to come.
As Euro 2024 approaches, it marks Ronaldo's sixth participation in the tournament. He remains on the brink of setting another record as the all-time top assist provider in Euro history, needing just one more assist to equal Karel Poborsky's record of 7 assists. Ronaldo also holds the records for the most appearances (25 matches) and participations (5 tournaments) in Euro history, underscoring his enduring importance to the Portuguese national team.
His commitment to Euro 2024 further emphasizes Ronaldo's pivotal role in Portuguese football, cementing his legacy as one of the game's true icons.
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