This year, Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated the 20th anniversary of his brilliant career with the national team. Among his 200 appearances for Portugal, the historic captain of the Seleção can boast a host of legendary moments to his credit. Back to those who let him forge the CR7 legend.
Euro 2004
The beginnings of a future legend. Cristiano Ronaldo, almost 19 years old, is playing his first tournament with Portugal. Firstly, off the bench, his entry against Greece quickly changed the course of the game as he scored the Portuguese’s only goal of the match (1-2). Again as a substitute, against Russia, he was sent on by Luiz Felipe Scolari in the last quarter of an hour. Paid coaching since CR17 makes a great assist Trevilla Rui Costa to win the Lusitania (2-0). After that, Cristiano does not leave the eleven. huge in the quarter-finals against England (2-2, 6-5 TAB), top scorer and assist in the semi-finals against the Netherlands (2-1); Unfortunately, he broke down in tears during the tragic final against Greece (0-1).
2006 World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo is two years older, just like the rest of his team-mates, some of whom are starting to age. This time, he, along with Luis Figo, is the star of the team. He had a good first match against Angola (1-0), then scored from the penalty spot against Iran (2-0). In the round of 16, Portugal beat the Netherlands in what is known today as Battle of Nuremberg (1-0). After suffering a heavy blow, Ronaldo went off half an hour into the match with an injury, then bounced back during the quarter-finals, demanding that teammate Wayne Rooney be sent off. Mission accomplished, then doubled since he scored the winning penalty kick during the shootout (0-0, 3-1 TAB). In the semi-finals, although Zinedine Zidane was eliminated by France, Chris is the author of the XXL performance (0 – 1).
Euro 2012
This is the fifth major competition that Cristiano Ronaldo has played for Portugal (Not counting the 2004 Olympics). Now a captain, he embodies the hopes of an entire nation. He was silent in the defeat against Germany (0-1), then the victory over Denmark (3-2), and starred in the third group match against the Netherlands (2-1), scoring two resounding goals. In the quarter-finals against the Czech Republic, Cristiano became the only scorer of the match and his country qualified for the quarter-finals (1-0). The Seleção finally lost to Spain on penalties, on the verge of a new final (0-0, 2-4 TAB)
Portugal – Sweden, 2013
There is no doubt about the championship this time, but in a huge and great double confrontation. The match between Portugal and Sweden in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers is also an exciting duel between Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Two great players, two great strikers, two great personalities. But in the Who is the Strongest game, it was Cristiano who won in the end. the only scorer in the first leg; Zlatan ends up putting two back. But CR7 does not concede, and puts three. On his own, he qualifies Portugal for the World Cup.
Euro 2016
dedicate. Jarl. In France, on a land dear to more than a million Portuguese immigrants, the Lusitani national team lifts the first trophy in its history. And if the adventure began with difficulty for Portugal, then the third match in the group stage against Hungary changed the situation (3-3). Composer of the perfect duet, Cristiano makes a sound of rebellion during the Dantesque match. He fell silent in the Round of 16, then scored the first penalty kick in the penalty shootout that Poland won over Poland in the next round (1-1, 5-4 TAB). And in the semi-final against Wales, he won his “match within the match” against Gareth Bale, scoring a goal and then assisting Nani (2-0). In the final against the Blues, the then-three Ballon d’Or was knocked out on a stretcher just before the half-hour mark, and despite the tears and desperation of the captain, Portugal ended up winning that match thanks to his encouragement. A goal from Eder (1-0).
Spain – Portugal 2018
Not a competition, not even a double showdown. This time it is a unique match against Spain, on the first day of the group stage of the 2018 World Cup. Along with Gonzalo Guedes below, Cristiano Ronaldo scored the first goal from a penalty kick that he got himself. Before the end of the first half, he took advantage of a handball from David De Gea and allowed Portugal to regain the lead. In the second half, the Spaniards return to the score, and lead by three goals to two. But Cristiano Ronaldo did not say his last word. And in the 88th minute, with a free kick, he completed his excellent match by scoring his third goal, in light of the general frenzy. Portugal 3, Spain 3, a meeting that will go down in history for sure.
Euro 2021
It is not the most successful competition for Cristiano Ronaldo. Not even Portugal, who were knocked out early in the Round of 16. Euro 2021 deserves a mention though, if only because Cristiano ended up as the tournament’s top scorer. Auteur d’un doublé face à la Hongrie (3 – 0), buteur and passeur malgré la débâcle contre l’Allemagne (2 – 4) puis double buteur face à la France (2 – 2), l’attaquant portugais avait presque tout good. Until the elimination against Belgium’s Roberto Martinez (0-1). rude.
As you will understand, through these seven exceptional moments, combining joy and disappointment, Cristiano Ronaldo has known how to impress his country and the football world over three different decades. In the history of football, few players can claim to have carried their team as much, in the good times as in the bad. To date, Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal is 200 selections and 123 goals. Two amazing feats, and he’s the record holder for all selections combined, to which we can add his 43 assists. Numbers, performances and feelings that live up to the nickname given to him by many of his fans: goats. Let’s hope he can continue this trend next summer.
