39-years-old Cristiano Ronaldo have shown a couple of moments of fine touch but the goal-scoring abilities needed the finishing bite, timing and power that made him special in his key. Portugal pushed past a Valiant Czech Republic via goals made possible because of their opposer’s mistakes. There were moments of fine touch, specially in the 1st half of the game. He rolled back the years with a slick backheel pass to Vitinha.
He was playing 6th straight Euro since his debut in football in the 2004 edition of the championships, a total of 20 years. His goal scoring form that has kept Ronaldo from receiving the same sort of flak that someone like Romelu Lukaku of Belgium has to face due to his uncertain finishing skills, the latest coming after his misses against Slovakia in a match that the Red Devils lost 1-0
On Tuesday(18 June 2024) night, Ronaldo’s finishing was a cause for concern for the Portugal side and their coach Roberto Martinez, who will have much to think about after the final whistle.
The players did create enough chances for their charm, which if he was in his prime form would all result in goals in the match largely dominated by Portugal. But for a striker who has spent 18months in the Saudi League where the level of struggle is lower, it’s going to take a lot more than a few international friendlies for Ronaldo to hit his march.
The near-misses
Case in point, in the 8th minute of game Portugal’s Rafael Leao cut inside from the left and floated ball towards Ronaldo who was completely perfect. The Veteran striker who must have except Leao to move into the box instead of crossing,find time of his header wrong and the ball went well wide of the Czech goalkeeper.
In next 32nd minute, Ronaldo, who looked to be in a tight offside situation, was set free into the box by a beautiful directed pass by ex-Manchester united teammate Bruno Fernandes. Ronaldo shot was saved by the Jindrich Staneks as another opportunity used by.
Again in first half Ronaldo came very close with a turn and a low sharp shot but was kept out by the goalie. The missing of chances also continue in the second half also.
A goal from Lukas gave put the Czech Republic in the lead. Ronaldo almost rescued himself after unacknowledged performance throughout the 2nd half by hitting a bullet header into the conflict’s bar, the rebound of which was headed into the net by Diogo Jota. But VAR concluded that the Al Nassr player was offside so the goal would not stand.