CRISTIANO RONALDO’S woeful record of free kicks in international tournaments has been exposed.
The Portugal star failed to score again in yesterday’s win over Slovenia as his Euro goal drought continued.
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Ronaldo has now gone four goals without scoring after his team reached the quarterfinals with a penalty shootout victory.
At the start of extra time, the legendary striker missed a penalty kick before breaking down in tears.
Ronaldo was even pursued by BBC Sport, who received a scolding from John Terry. after labeling him ‘Mistiano Penaldo’.
But Ronaldo’s free kick technique during the game also left little to be desired.
He scored three set pieces yesterday, but didn’t see his efforts come anywhere close to goal.
And now it has emerged that Ronaldo has a terrible record when it comes to taking free kicks in major international tournaments.
The 39-year-old is currently starring in his SIXTH Euros.
While the 2022 World Cup was his fifth appearance in the tournament.
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During these 11 competitions, Ronaldo scored a total of 60 direct free kicks.
However, he only managed to score ONE of those efforts.
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And that leaves you with a dismal success rate of just 1.7%.
The only time Ronaldo hit the target was at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where he scored in the 3-3 group stage draw with Spain.
The number is even more surprising considering that Ronaldo scored 63 free kicks during his brilliant career.
He is seventh on the all-time list, behind technique kings including Pelé, David Beckham and leader Juninho Pernambucano.
Ronaldo is also behind Messi on the list by just two goals.
And statistics show that the World Cup winner has a much better success rate in international tournaments, scoring five of his 53 direct free kicks.
In fact, even former England star and Bayern Munich defender Eric Dier boasts as many free-kick goals as Ronaldo.
The centre-back scored a goal at Euro 2016, in the Three Lions’ 1-1 draw with Russia.
But with Ronaldo struggling to see another day after Portugal set up a quarter-final clash with France on Friday, he could have another opportunity to double his tally outside the box.
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, Portugal’s 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.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
