CRISTIANO RONALDO broke protocol rather than more records with a unique start to Euro 2024.
The Portugal legend shocked fans by adding a new dimension to his game early in the 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic.
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Ronaldo, 39 years old, is the Euro’s top scorer with 14 goals and the top scorer in history with 26.
And in Tuesday’s group opener he also became the first player to appear in the finals of six such tournaments.
But for many viewers the former Manchester United striker’s night will be remembered for the way he began it at the Leipzig Stadium.
As Portugal returned the ball to begin proceedings, the Al-Nassr star was several meters away from the Czech half – running down the right.
Ron, your marks… get ready… it’s gone!
“This guy is very anxious,” posted a surprised fan.
“What is Bud doing? He thinks he’s in the Olympics,” suggested another.
Ronaldo’s explosion was so strong that he lined up with the Czech midfielders at the start of the game.
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How was Portugal’s performance at the Euros with Cristiano Ronaldo
CRISTIANO RONALDO has been a model of longevity for more than two decades in a distinguished international career.
Euro 2004
After making his international debut in 2003, Ronaldo’s first Euro came in 2004.
Ronaldo marked his Euro debut with a goal in the 2-1 defeat to Greece – his first for Portugal.
He scored the second in the semi-final victory over the Netherlands, but Portugal faced Greece again in the final, losing 1-0 in a surprising result.
Euro 2008
Ronaldo captained Portugal four years later, but Euro 2008 was the least impactful tournament he played in.
There was still time for a standout performance as Ronaldo scored once and set up two more in the group stage victory over the Czech Republic.
Euro 2012
At the time, playing for Real Madrid, Ronaldo was the top scorer at Euro 2012, with three goals, including two in the group stage against the Netherlands.
Portugal’s quarter-final game against the Czech Republic was heading towards a stalemate with 10 minutes remaining and they needed a special moment on their part.
His powerful header in the final minutes took Portugal to the semi-finals, where they lost on penalties to Spain.
Euro 2016
Ronaldo scored three goals at Euro 2016 as Portugal crowned CHAMPIONS after beating France 1-0 in extra time in the final.
After suffering an injury in the first 16 minutes against France, he was forced to watch from the sidelines.
Even so, the Portugal captain became a cheerleader and helped coach his teammates to the historic victory.
He equaled Michel Platini’s record of nine goals at the end of Euro 2016.
Euro 2020
Ronaldo made history again with FIVE goals at Euro 2020, the most by any player at Euros.
However, it was undoubtedly Portugal’s least exciting game as they were eliminated in the round of 16 following a 1-0 defeat to Belgium.
With his goals in this tournament, Ronaldo became the European Championship’s top scorer with 14 goals.
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But one observer claimed that this proactive, rather than reactive, thinking explained “why he’s the goat, bro.”
Some fans think Ron’s antics were cheeky to the point of “cheating.”
But most were shocked by his unusual move.
However, the rest of the night was more satisfactory than sensational for Ronaldo.
Lukas Provod scored a surprising long-range goal for the under-pressured Czechs midway through the second half.
But Robin Hranac’s own goal and substitute Francisco Conceição’s rebound gave Roberto Martinez’s men the victory their ample possession deserved.
Portugal Euro 2024 Guide
CRISTIANO RONALDO continues to be the face of Portuguese football, at a time when the national team is looking to win its second European Championship.
But the days when Portugal’s hopes rested solely on 39-year-old Ronaldo are over, as they have a team brimming with talent across the pitch.
MANAGER: Roberto Martinez
The former Everton, Wigan and Belgium manager is trying to put a more attacking stamp on a team that became increasingly dull under Euro 2016-winning predecessor Fernando Santos.
STAR MAN: Cristiano Ronaldo
Al-Nassr’s star remains ever-present, but PSG’s Gonçalo Ramos and Liverpool’s Diogo Jota are both world-class substitutes.
How Portugal attacks
Ruben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio and João Palhinha are all capable of building attacks from behind, giving Portugal a unique dimension to their attack.
Attacking midfielders Bruno Fernandes and João Félix could cause defensive problems in an attempt to feed Ronaldo and/or Ramos.
How Portugal defends
Unlike Santos’ approach, Portugal will play with a medium-high block and will try to gain possession of the ball on the field.
The players will press aggressively to support Ronaldo, who clearly tends to work less defensively.
Read the full Portugal Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted lineups, odds and Wags
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
