A rather damming stat surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo has been revealed following Portugal’s 2-1 victory against Czechia at Euro 2024.
Portugal got off to a winning start at Euro 2024 following a late goal from substitute Francisco Conceicao in the 92nd minute.
Despite being one of the major favourites for the tournament, similarly to England and France, it was far from a convincing performance from Portugal who initially fell behind.
It was Lukas Provod who opened the scoring in the second half with a stunning curling strike from outside the box, shocking the favourites who had dominated up to that point.
Provod’s strike was the first and last shot on target for Czechia who handed a goal to Portugal in the 69th minute, with an unfortunate own goal from Robin Hranac.
Diogo Jota thought he’d won it at the death with a header from close range, however, Ronaldo was deemed to be offside in the build-up, but Portugal eventually got their reward in the 92nd minute from Conceicao who couldn’t miss after a mistake from the goalkeeper.
Despite not getting on the scoresheet it was a decent performance from Ronaldo, who certainly didn’t look out of his depth on the biggest stage at 39.
The Portugal captain had some great moments of skill, particularly a backheel pass that was unlucky not to result in an assist.
Although it was an overall positive performance from Ronaldo, one key stat surrounding his set piece record will be haunting him.
Cristiano Ronaldo- Getty
Following his effort today which was gathered by Jindrich Stanek, it means Ronaldo has now taken 29 free-kicks since making his Euro debut in 2004 without scoring one.
Ronaldo’s ability from free-kicks has significantly decreased since around 2014 when he suffered a knee injury which forced him to change technique from his iconic knuckleball style.
However, since moving to Al Nassr the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has rediscovered his form with a sensational strike in the Saudi Pro League last season.
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