New Delhi: Portugal had already qualified as group winners for the last 16. Perhaps, that’s why the 2016 champions, started casually and were caught napping after just 93 seconds when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia drilled a clinical finish into the bottom corner. Despite the early blow, Portugal couldn’t mount a fightback against a spirited Georgian side, which capped off the memorable evening in Gelsenkirchen with a 57th-minute goal from Georges Mikautadze.
Like Portugal, it turned out to be a frustrating night for Ronaldo. The talismanic footballer failed to mark his 50th appearance on the global stage Euro (28) or World Cup (22) with a goal. It was also his 210th appearance for Portugal where he is the all-time top goal scorer with 130 goals to his name.
The 39-year-old had the opportunity to score against Turkey last week but, Ronaldo, widely regarded as a selfish player, selflessly gave it away by passing the ball to Bruno Fernandez to get the team on the scoreboard. Another major miss came in the match against Georgia when he was denied the penalty in the 28th minute. Trying to get at the end of a cross in the Georgia box, Ronaldo was pulled down by Luka Lochoshvili, but the appeal was turned away, leaving Ronaldo screaming and fuming.
Referee Sandro Schaerer shows the yellow card to Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Georgia and Portugal at Arena AufSchalke on June 26, 2024 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Getty Images)
Ronaldo sets unwanted record
Ronaldo was booked for venting his frustration at the referee after appealing for a penalty. He was later substituted just after the hour mark, going into the knockouts without scoring in the first three group-stage games. As a result, he has failed to score in the group stage of a major international tournament for the first time in his career.
The Al-Nassr striker is competing at his 11th major international tournament and has scored at least one goal in each of his previous 10 appearances at the Euros and World Cup dating back to 2006.
Ronaldo will hope to enjoy more when they face Slovenia next at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt for the knockouts on upcoming Monday evening. And even if he manages to score he will become the oldest player to score in UEFA Euro history.
Although Ronaldo holds all the major records in the UEFA Euros ranging from top scorer to the only player to feature in the sixth successive tournament. The question arises about whether Ronaldo’s current form is a temporary dip or a sign of ageing.
Cristiano Ronaldo faces unprecedented frustration at Euro 2024, failing to score and setting an unwanted record. Is age finally catching up with Portugal’s legendary striker? Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
