CRISTIANO RONALDO broke protocol instead of more records with a unique start to Euro 2024.
The Portugal legend shocked fans by adding a dashing new dimension to his game at the kick-off in a 2-1 comeback win over the Czech Republic.
Cristiano Ronaldo was quicker off the blocks than anyone expected
EPARonaldo celebrates Portugal’s dramatic victory over the Czechs[/caption]
Ronaldo, 39, is the Euros’ top scorer ever on 14 goals and its highest appearance-maker in history on 26.
And in Tuesday’s group opener he also became the first player to appear in the finals of six such tournaments.
But for many viewers the ex-Manchester United striker’s evening will be remembered for the way he began it at the Leipzig Stadium.
As Portugal touched the ball back to launch proceedings, the Al-Nassr star as somehow several metres inside the Czech half – scampering down the right.
Ron your marks… get set… already gone!
“This guy is too eager,” posted one astonished fan.
“What is bud doing? He thinks he’s at the Olympics,” suggested another.
Ronaldo’s burst was so sharp that he was in line with Czech MIDFIELDERS as Portugal kicked off.
Predictably Ronaldo was busy in advanced areas
How Portugal have performed at the Euros with Cristiano Ronaldo
CRISTIANO RONALDO has been a model of longevity for more than two decades in an outstanding international career.
Euro 2004
After making his international debut in 2003, Ronaldo’s first Euros came in 2004.
Ronaldo marked his Euro debut with a goal in a 2-1 defeat to Greece – his first for Portugal.
He scored his second in the semi-final win over the Netherlands, but Portugal met Greece again in the final, losing 1-0 in shock result.
Euro 2008
Ronaldo was Portugal captain four years later but Euro 2008 was the least impactful tournament he’s had.
There was still time for a standout performance, though, as Ronaldo scored once and set up two more in a group-stage win over the Czech Republic.
Euro 2012
Playing at Real Madrid at the time, Ronaldo was the top goalscorer at Euro 2012, with three goals, including a brace in the group stage against the Netherlands.
Portugal’s quarter-final against Czech Republic was heading towards a stalemate with 10 minutes to go and they needed a special moment from him.
His powerful header in the dying minutes took Portugal to the semi-finals where they lost on penalties to Spain.
Euro 2016
Ronaldo scored three goals in Euro 2016, with Portugal crowned CHAMPIONS after defeating France 1-0 in extra time in the final.
After suffering an injury inside the opening 16 minutes against France, he was forced to watch from the sidelines.
Yet the Portugal captain became a cheerleader, and helped coach his team-mates to the historic victory.
He matched Michel Platini’s record of nine goals by the end of Euro 2016.
Euro 2020
Ronaldo made history again with FIVE goals at Euro 2020, the most of any player at a Euros.
Yet it was arguably Portugal’s least exciting affair, as they exited in the Round of 16 following a 1-0 defeat to Belgium.
With his goals in this tournament, Ronaldo became the top goalscorer at the European Championship with 14 goals.
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But one observer claimed such pro-active rather than reactive thinking explained “why he’s the goat bro”.
A few fans reckon Ron’s antics were cheeky to the point of “cheating”.
But most were just gobsmacked by his unusual move.
However, the rest of the night was more satisfactory than sensational for Ronaldo.
Lukas Provod thudded a surprise long-range opener for the under-pressure Czechs midway through the second period.
But Robin Hranac’s own goal and a rebound winner from late sub Francisco Conceicao earned Roberto Martinez’s men the victory their ample possession deserved.
Portugal Euro 2024 guide
CRISTIANO RONALDO remains the face of Portuguese football as the national team looks to win a second European Championship.
But the days when Portugal’s hopes would hang on Ronaldo, 39, alone are over as they have a squad packed with talent across the pitch.
MANAGER: Roberto Martinez
Former Everton, Wigan and Belgium boss is trying to put a more attacking stamp on a team that became increasingly dull under Euro 2016-winning predecessor Fernando Santos.
STAR MAN: Cristiano Ronaldo
Al-Nassr star remains an ever-present but PSG’s Goncalo Ramos and Liverpool’s Diogo Jota are both world class backups.
How Portugal attack
Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio and Joao Palhinha are all capable of building attacks from the back, given Portugal a unique dimension to their attack.
Attacking midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Joao Felix can cause any defence problems as they look to feed Ronaldo and/or Ramos.
How Portugal defend
In contrast to the approach under Santos, Portugal will play with a medium-to-high block and look to win possession up the field.
Players will press aggressively to provide support for Ronaldo, who clearly tends to do less work defensively.
Read the full Portugal Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags