All eyes were on 39-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo in the build-up to Portugal’s European Championship debut against the Czech Republic, but, not for the first time in Germany, it was a youngster who stole the headlines.
‘Ronaldo 7’ shirts were everywhere in Leipzig ahead of the game as fans prepared to welcome the veteran striker’s record appearance at his sixth European Championship.
They no doubt expected him to score the goal, but that didn’t happen and instead it was Francisco Conceição – 18 years Ronaldo’s junior – who snatched the dramatic early triumph for Portugal’s Group F campaign with a victory by 2-1.
It was virtually his first touch after making his official debut, and former England striker Alan Shearer was delighted with his contribution.
“You were sent in to change the game and do something,” he told BBC One. “You have to make an impact as a substitute.”
“What a story,” added former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy.
“I was saying, ‘What can you do in three minutes as a sub?’ He got a little lucky with the deflection, but he wasn’t going to miss it.”
It was a memorable moment for Conceição, son of former Portuguese player Sérgio, and one that he celebrated with a delighted Ronaldo, who punched the air and greeted his teammates.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said the youngster deserved his moment of victory.
“Francisco is the best example of how to deserve it,” he said.
“He deserves to be here and he showed that he is ready to help the group. He showed character and showed his value because he was allowed to be here.”
A changing of the guard?
At 39, Ronaldo has been playing at the highest level in recent years, although the appearance of his teammate Pepe at 41 gives him the conviction that he still has some important tournaments ahead of him.
From him critics argue His place in the starting eleven slows Portugal down, becomes the focal point and has a negative impact on the mobility of the forward line.
But speaking to Portugal fans in Leipzig ahead of Tuesday’s game, it is clear that the majority think otherwise.
One fan described him as still “the best in the world”, while another, Marta, said Ronaldo’s contribution to the team goes beyond what he does on the pitch.
“He is still important because he has motivation and spirit and brings the team together,” she said.
“Even outside the team he’s important. He’s like a symbol that unites everyone.”
Despite failing to score against the Czech Republic, he had opportunities. He was denied two first-half goals by goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek, before seeing a header deflected wide after the break.
He remains a star and when Portugal scored a free-kick from 25 yards out, the fans stood up with their mobile phones in hand, only to see Ronaldo’s shot comfortably caught by Stanek.
Ronaldo’s experience is important for Portugal Fernandes
But for his teammates, the experience he can offer outweighs the need to score goals.
“We all know it’s important to have experienced players, like Cristiano Ronaldo,” said Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
“In fact, Pepe is probably the most experienced in the entire tournament. We know they are vital for us.”
For some of the best to ever play this game, Ronaldo still has a lot to contribute at this level.
“Whatever he does, if Ronaldo plays well or the team plays well, he will always find a chance,” former Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas told BBC One.
“He takes care of himself on another level. He only needs a small moment of space to create a chance. His overall game has been much better than in recent years.”
Shearer, meanwhile, praised Ronaldo’s desire but suggested he might have to accept a reduced role in some games for the benefit of the team.
“This is essential for Portugal to continue and win the competition, because if they accept, they will not be able to play 90 minutes in every game, which will contribute greatly to victory”, he added.
“Waking up after games and having that desire to come back, when you are in pain, that hunger and desire to be the best.
“Everyone speaks glowingly about your attitude, it’s phenomenal.”
Ronaldo spoke about this generation of Portuguese players before the tournament, saying they deserved to go all the way and repeat the country’s victory in 2016.
Those comments and his cheerful response to Conceição’s winner suggest he has the team’s interests ahead of his own and, if that’s the case, there’s every reason to believe Portugal will go far in Germany.
