FANS reckon Cristiano Ronaldo is a “changed man” after showing a new side to his character in Portugal’s 3-0 romp over Turkey.
Viewers even believe the legend, 39, destroyed one of the few criticisms of his game with his surprise role in the clinching goal.
Portugal were cruising in their second Euro 2024 group clash, courtesy of Bernardo Silva’s fine finish and an own goal from Samet Akaydin.
Then Ronaldo was put clear in the box on 55 minutes with a clear scoring chance.
But instead of shooting the ex-Manchester United frontman slipped the ball across – for new Old Trafford hero Bruno Fernandes to slide a simple goal.
Ronaldo fans pounced on his his switch from record goal-taker to generous goal-maker to blast past jibes at the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
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Some football supporters have suggested the former Real Madrid and Juventus ace is too single-minded when it comes to scoring.
But his contribution to Fernandes’ goal led his backers to make observations such as: “If selfless was a man he’s Ronaldo.”
Other fans piled in to sarcastically label him a “selfish player” – another nod to a previous reputation they insist is unfounded.
One viewer even went a step further by claiming the Al-Nassr star “wouldn’t have passed it 2 years ago either, he got smarter in Saudi Arabia”.
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And as for his all-room contribution, another fan wrote: “Ronaldo was really involved in all 3 goals. Give us that MOTM.”
One said of the fortunate moment Portugal made it 2-0: “He is the first player to force an own goal with his aura.”
More praise for Ronaldo’s all-round performance flooded in.
That included: “Amazing stuff man” and “The greatest of all time”
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
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.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
