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Portugal kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory against the Czech Republic, signalling a promising start in what could be Cristiano Ronaldo’s final international tournament. Despite missing several chances, Ronaldo's influence was palpable, particularly in his embrace of Francisco Conceição, who scored the stoppage-time winner.
It appears to be the end of an era for Portugal, with Ronaldo potentially playing in his last European Championship. At 39 years old, the football icon's legendary career is closer to its conclusion, yet his enduring skill and leadership remain vital for his national team.
Though Portugal might not be the top favourites among Euro 2024 betting odds, Ronaldo aims to cap off his illustrious international career with another significant triumph. It might take stopping the likes of England, Germany and France, who also began their campaigns with three sports in the group stage, but it will make for an interesting watch and a date with destiny if Ronaldo can bow out from the international game with a stage shining as brightly as the European Championship final.
Already one of the most decorated players in football history, Ronaldo is making history by competing in his sixth European Championship, the most by any player.
His career began at Euro 2004, and despite losing to Greece 1-0 in a heartbreak extra-time capitulation, Ronaldo stood out as one of the star players at a young age, picking up invaluable experience from the likes of Deco and Luis Figo, though he would have to wait until Euro 2016 to lift the trophy himself.
20 years on from defeat on his homeland and Ronaldo is still breaking records, ageing like a fine wine and continuing to perform as a perennial goal scorer, with 130 goals in 280 games for A Seleção das Quinas, and recommended New Zealand bookmakers are backing him to once again challenge for the competition’s golden boot.
His 2023-24 campaign was stellar for both club and country. Despite his age, he finished second to Romelu Lukaku in the Euro 2024 qualifying top scorers' list, narrowly missing out on the accolade after Lukaku’s four-goal spree on the final matchday.
Since moving to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has seen a resurgence in form and leadership. The frustration of his final months at Manchester United, where he fell out with Erik ten Hag, has been replaced by a renewed determination to win.
Ronaldo's transfer to the Saudi Pro League was a groundbreaking move that paved the way for other world-class players to follow. His influence in the league has been transformative, both on and off the pitch, with the likes of Neymar, Sadio Mane, and Aymeric Laporte quickly following suit.
This shift is evident in his remarkable tally of 44 goals in 45 games for Al-Nassr. Although he missed out on the King's Cup, Ronaldo’s focus is now on adding another European Championship to his collection, aiming for a second win following Portugal's 2016 triumph.
Roberto Martinez, who took over as Portugal's manager after the 2022 World Cup, immediately reinstated Ronaldo to the starting lineup, highlighting his indispensable role. Martinez has praised Ronaldo’s consistency and physical prowess, essential qualities for the team’s success. With over 200 caps, Ronaldo serves as an invaluable mentor for Portugal's next generation of players.
"As for Cristiano Ronaldo, I think it's better to talk about statistics," Martinez noted. "A player who scores 42 goals in 41 games for his club shows continuity, a physical ability to always be fit, and quality in front of goal that we really like and need. We don't make choices based on where the players play. We want to create the best team and call the 26 players who make up the best team. We monitor the players' individual performance and role that they have in the locker room. Since March 2023 until now, we have a lot of information."
Ronaldo joins a vibrant Portugal attack, including talents like Diogo Jota and João Félix, forming a formidable offensive lineup that promises to trouble any defence. With early group matches against relatively inexperienced teams in Turkey and Georgia, there is a significant opportunity for Ronaldo to score prolifically and build momentum.
Only time will tell if Ronaldo can lead Portugal to another European Championship victory. His potential success would mark yet another defining moment in his extraordinary career and offer a fitting farewell to the Seleção das Quinas. As Euro 2024 unfolds, all eyes will be on Ronaldo, hoping to witness one last dance of greatness on the international stage.
It appears to be the end of an era for Portugal, with Ronaldo potentially playing in his last European Championship. At 39 years old, the football icon's legendary career is closer to its conclusion, yet his enduring skill and leadership remain vital for his national team.
Though Portugal might not be the top favourites among Euro 2024 betting odds, Ronaldo aims to cap off his illustrious international career with another significant triumph. It might take stopping the likes of England, Germany and France, who also began their campaigns with three sports in the group stage, but it will make for an interesting watch and a date with destiny if Ronaldo can bow out from the international game with a stage shining as brightly as the European Championship final.
Already one of the most decorated players in football history, Ronaldo is making history by competing in his sixth European Championship, the most by any player.
His career began at Euro 2004, and despite losing to Greece 1-0 in a heartbreak extra-time capitulation, Ronaldo stood out as one of the star players at a young age, picking up invaluable experience from the likes of Deco and Luis Figo, though he would have to wait until Euro 2016 to lift the trophy himself.
20 years on from defeat on his homeland and Ronaldo is still breaking records, ageing like a fine wine and continuing to perform as a perennial goal scorer, with 130 goals in 280 games for A Seleção das Quinas, and recommended New Zealand bookmakers are backing him to once again challenge for the competition’s golden boot.
His 2023-24 campaign was stellar for both club and country. Despite his age, he finished second to Romelu Lukaku in the Euro 2024 qualifying top scorers' list, narrowly missing out on the accolade after Lukaku’s four-goal spree on the final matchday.
Since moving to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has seen a resurgence in form and leadership. The frustration of his final months at Manchester United, where he fell out with Erik ten Hag, has been replaced by a renewed determination to win.
Ronaldo's transfer to the Saudi Pro League was a groundbreaking move that paved the way for other world-class players to follow. His influence in the league has been transformative, both on and off the pitch, with the likes of Neymar, Sadio Mane, and Aymeric Laporte quickly following suit.
This shift is evident in his remarkable tally of 44 goals in 45 games for Al-Nassr. Although he missed out on the King's Cup, Ronaldo’s focus is now on adding another European Championship to his collection, aiming for a second win following Portugal's 2016 triumph.
Roberto Martinez, who took over as Portugal's manager after the 2022 World Cup, immediately reinstated Ronaldo to the starting lineup, highlighting his indispensable role. Martinez has praised Ronaldo’s consistency and physical prowess, essential qualities for the team’s success. With over 200 caps, Ronaldo serves as an invaluable mentor for Portugal's next generation of players.
"As for Cristiano Ronaldo, I think it's better to talk about statistics," Martinez noted. "A player who scores 42 goals in 41 games for his club shows continuity, a physical ability to always be fit, and quality in front of goal that we really like and need. We don't make choices based on where the players play. We want to create the best team and call the 26 players who make up the best team. We monitor the players' individual performance and role that they have in the locker room. Since March 2023 until now, we have a lot of information."
Ronaldo joins a vibrant Portugal attack, including talents like Diogo Jota and João Félix, forming a formidable offensive lineup that promises to trouble any defence. With early group matches against relatively inexperienced teams in Turkey and Georgia, there is a significant opportunity for Ronaldo to score prolifically and build momentum.
Only time will tell if Ronaldo can lead Portugal to another European Championship victory. His potential success would mark yet another defining moment in his extraordinary career and offer a fitting farewell to the Seleção das Quinas. As Euro 2024 unfolds, all eyes will be on Ronaldo, hoping to witness one last dance of greatness on the international stage.
