EVEN the cameraman and Gary Lineker was shocked Cristiano Ronaldo passed up a free-kick for Portugal against France.
The Manchester United and Real Madrid legend is his club and country’s regular set-piece taker.
But his record of free-kicks has become miserable of late with just ONE goal from 60 direct attempts in international football.
The first half of Portugal’s quarter-final against France, Ronaldo’s side were awarded a free-kick.
And all eyes were on the Al-Nassr star as he lined up alongside Fernandes and looked ready to try his luck again.
Even the cameraman zoomed in on Ronaldo as all were braced for the forward to strike.
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But out of nowhere, Fernandes blazed over the bar as Ronaldo started his run up.
Fans were stunned and even Lineker revealed he owes Ferdinand a bottle of fine red wine.
But Ferdinand claimed to have inside knowledge from his former United team-mate before the game.
Lineker said: “I had a bet with Rio, bottle of wine.
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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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“I said Ronaldo will take this free-kick and you went, ‘Nope, it’s going to be Bruno this time.’
“Well, one from 60 Ronaldo. And it even kidded the match director because he obviously wasn’t looking.”
Ferdinand said: “The reason why was because Cristiano told me before the game that he was going to give it to Bruno.
“So you owe me a bottle of Sassicaia. A big expensive bottle.”
Jermaine Jenas then joked: “Is Cristiano your friend?”
Together at United, Ronaldo and Ferdinand won the Champions League and three Premier League titles.
Ronaldo is playing in what he admits will be his last European Championship – having lifted the trophy in 2016.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
