Euro 2012: Czech Republic 0-1 Portugal – Majestic Ronaldo Heading For Greatness (Photos & Highlights)

Alan Duffy

21st, June 2012

8 Comments

By Alan Duffy

There’s something quite satisfying about seeing a top class player live up to the hype at a major tournament – be it Maradona in ’86, Zidane at ’98 or (the Brazilian) Ronaldo in ’02. And while the world’s number one player, Lionel Messi, is yet to explode all over a World Cup or Copa America, his nearest rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, is starting to hit those stratospheric heights at Euro 2012.

The Real Madrid man was outstanding against the Czech Republic in the first quarter-final, firing in shot after shot, ably supported by the outstanding Joao Moutinho in midfield. Despite totally dominating a game in which the Czech Republic, shorn of injured captain Tomas Rosicky, failed to muster a single shot on target, it took until the 79th minute for the Portuguese to finally break the deadlock, courtesy of a superb header from Ronaldo himself.

A semi-final date with either Spain or France awaits. But with their star player in fantastic form, Portugal will fear no one.

Photos…

Highlights…

Photos: PA

Posted in Euro 2012, Photos, Videos

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8 Comments

  1. Luke says:

    Try and get a highlight of that insane trick he pulled against Gabre Selassie

  2. Jarren says:

    @Luke: I can’t remember for sure, but was that the flick past at the end of the first half where he hit the post?

    I didn’t watch the entire match.

  3. Joe says:

    Very brave of him to try the header, it could so easily have messed up his hair…

  4. Nuno says:

    I don’t think Luke is referring to that, I believe it’s one he did around 80 minutes, but to me it didn’t seem intentional at the time. Thought he was trying to do a step-over, touched the ball unintentionally and got lucky the rebound went the right way. Think there was no replay at the time and I only remember it because portuguese tv commentators here nearly had an orgasm, but they must’ve watching the game with a Ronaldo dildo up their arses… (he did a great game, but commentators here exaggerate way too much)
    Indeed, if Ronaldo stays this way I think we may have a chance against Spain (we won them 4-0 not so long ago, but it was at our home and it was a friendly). And honestly think we prefer Spain, as we always lose to France. Always! (last time we won them was in 1975…)

  5. Luke says:

    Nuno is one the money. I have a suspicion he meant it though because of how quick he reacted. Can’t find it anywhere online, he sort of made the ball go left then right on top of his foot. I’d never seen anything like it, it made Selassie fall over.

  6. Nuno says:

    Already saw him botch a somewhat similar step-over against Holland but the ball went behind him. And he has quick reflexes, that’s why I thought he didn’t mean it, but can’t find the video evidence either (there was no replay of that ‘trick’ at the time)

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