Euro 2024

CRISTIANO RONALDO’S record breaking Euros career is over, this last outing is remembered only for tears.His sixth Euros, brought to an end by France on penalties, did not bring a goal, just a missed spot kick against Slovenia and some famous waterworks.Joao Felix missed the crucial penalty in the shootoutCredit: GettyFrance were perfect from the spotCredit: GettyFrance qualified for the semi-finalsCredit: GettyMike Maignan denied Bruno Fernandes during normal timeCredit: ReutersHe scored in both Portugal’s shootouts – but was anonymous here and could do nothing as Joao Felix’s fluffed pen sent them packing.Kylian Mbappe dreamed of sending his idol home, but played little part – watching from the bench after getting another smack to the nose.But his France side stumble on, to Spain in the semi-final, still here remarkably without a goal from open play.This contest had the record-breaking distance before, and a ball was kicked. Two teams struggling for goals despite their attacking talent.READ MORE ON EURO 2024They could not be separated after a turgid first half nor a more frenetic second.When all the focus was on Ronaldo and Mbappe, it was the men at the back standing out. Mike Maignan, William Saliba and pensioner Pepe all excellent.Despite going 120 minutes to get here, Portugal were unchanged from their penalty shootout win over Slovenia.Deschamps, however, made two changes. One was enforced, Eduardo Camavinga replacing the suspended Adrien Rabiot while Randal Kolo Muani, effectively the match-winner against Belgium, replaced Marcus Thuram.Most read in Euro 2024Ousmane Dembele showed supreme confidence by stepping up first and scoring in the penalty shootoutCredit: AFPCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt was a fourth change to the faltering forward line in four games from Deschamps – and another that did not work.France’s plodding football to reach this point gave little encouragement that this would be a firecracker from the off.Cristiano Ronaldo’s love affair with the EurosPortugal dominated possession and Les Bleus looked a threat on the break but neither were creating clear cut chances.Bruno Fernandes saw the first effort of the encounter deflected behind from range after 16 minutes, with Theo Hernandez also taking a punt from distance which was easily stopped by Diogo Costa.Jules Kounde had been the man of the match against Belgium, excelling at both ends of the pitch, but was being given the run-around by the electric Rafael Leao in Hamburg.France have been nothing if not consistent in Germany, their array of stars serving up some truly turgid football at times.At the break everyone was still waiting for this tie which should have been a classic to kick into gear.Portugal were putting on a more attractive display, there had been moments when they combined to get in behind but Saliba was impressive in snuffing them out.Mbappe looked livelier after emerging for the restart.He exchanged a swift one-two with Kante on the edge of the box before bending an effort into the arms of Costa.France were finally offering more.Hernandez broke in behind and cut a low cross along the six-yard line but no one in white was there to meet it.Just when Mbappe looked to be getting into gear, his night took a turn for the worse.Bernardo Silva’s header from a corner crashed straight into the side of Mbappe’s head, dislodged his mask and left him writing in pain and looking like he was seeing stars.But he has vowed to continue to put his neck – or nose – on the line for France and he was quickly back on, though he would not make it to the end.Mbappe’s knock took the sting out of France’s fast start to the second half.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYJoao Cancelo started probing down the right and soon found a superb ball, slid through for Fernandes.The Manchester United captain galloped into space in the French penalty area but his low strike was well saved by Maignan before a loose ball fell to Cancelo who fired well wide.That opening filled Martinez’s men with belief. Leao was running again, cutting inside and pulling the ball back for Vitinha – though his effort from close range was again stopped by Maignan, who quickly smothered Ronaldo as he looked to bundle the ball in from a yard out.Finally we had a contest, with far more pace and space.Just as Portugal were turning the screw, Kounde and Muani appeared at the other end in a flash, combining well to send the Paris Saint-Germain man through on goal.He shaped to strike, but Ruben Dias was there to block, just as Nuno Mendes was to stop Mbappe a moment later.Deschamps sensed the space opening up and sent on Ousmane Dembele.The sub should have had an assist for the opener within minutes. Kolo Muani found him in space down the right and the ball was cut in for Camavinga just yards out but he fired past the far post.Martinez responded – introducing Francisco Conceicao and Nelson Semedo, the former replacing Fernandes with 15 minutes remaining.It is likely Cristiano Ronaldo’s last ever Euros matchCredit: ReutersIt was getting frantic, Silva and Conceicao breaking down the right, with the sub barged over by Saliba – though Ronaldo sent the free-kick straight into the wall.At the other end Mbappe was trying to prevent extra time, but his tired effort was collected and another 30 minutes ordered by ref Michael Oliver.Ronaldo had his first clear-cut chance of the night minutes into extra time but almost found the second tier from Conceicao’s cutback.Everyone knew this was do or die, Pepe let out a huge celebration when blocking from Mbappe. There was cause for celebration from his counterparts as Dayot Upamecano blocked from Leao.Mbappe, still feeling the impact on his broken nose from the second half, was incredibly hooked at half time in extra time.It got Portugal’s tails up, Felix heading into the side netting from Semedo’s cross while Mendes had the chance to win it in the final minute but scuffed an effort straight at Maignan.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was penalties in front of the Portugal end.The first five were excellent before Felix clattered the post, the only spot-kick to separate them.Pepe was in tears at the resultCredit: AFPWho is Euro 2024’s sexiest star?EURO 2024 has something for everyone from stunning goals, thrilling matches… and the continent’s biggest hunks, writes Jack Figg.Several stars have lit up the group stages with their skills on the pitch – but others are also catching the eye for their looks.But who is the sexiest?Thankfully AI boffins have carried out an analysis on the facial attractiveness of all players at the tournament.And it’s bad news for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions who are the fourth UGLIEST in the competition – one place below Scotland.In fact it’s England’s group rivals Serbia who have fans swooning the most – boasting an average score of 77.90/100 with defender Strahinja Pavlovic deemed their most attractive.While Turkey defender Mert Muldur has been ranked as the tournament’s BEST-LOOKING player.But who is England’s sexiest star, and who makes the Euros’ hunkiest XI? Read our full story. More

SPAIN hero Mikel Merino’s emotional celebration against Germany was an incredible nod to his father Angel.Merino came off the bench to head a stunning winner against Germany and knock the Euro 2024 hosts out of the tournament. Mikel Merino’s dad Angel celebrating in Stuttgart’s stadium in 1991His son doing the exact same three decades laterThe Real Sociedad midfielder ran over to the corner flag, circled around it and looked up to the sky. It has now emerged that his dad Angel – a former LaLiga player – performed the exact same celebration.Not only that, eerily enough it was even in the exact same stadium.In 1991, Angel made it 2-0 to Osasuna against Stuttgart in the Uefa Cup second round and second leg. READ MORE IN football The Spanish side went on to win the match 3-2. Fast forward 33 years and his son was sending Spain into the semi-finals of the Euros after a 2-1 extra-time win, with a familiar celebration at the MHPArena.Merino has an affection for the stadium having made his debut for Spain there in a 1-1 draw with Germany – four years before his dramatic winner. A breathless Merino said after his quarter-final heroics: “I’m dead. The adrenaline is taking its toll on me. It was a unique moment.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”It was a goal in the 119th minute, but there is a collective effort behind it. Being tied in the 90th minute is a blow, but we deserved it.”It was the match we were all waiting for, between two of the best in the world. It could be a Euros or World Cup final. England fans at 2024 celebrate German misery wildly with brilliant song after hosts are dramatically dumped out”We know how to suffer, we have a great team. There’s something about this stadium that makes us lucky. “My father also scored here. And I made my debut.”Merino heads in the winner against GermanyCredit: Getty More

GARETH SOUTHGATE urged Jude Bellingham to keep playing with emotion — despite England’s boy wonder walking a disciplinary tightrope.Bellingham, 21, was fined £25,000 and handed a suspended one-game ban by Uefa on Friday for a lewd goal celebration following his spectacular bicycle kick against Slovakia.Jude Bellingham has been given a suspended one-game ban and fined for this gestureCredit: RexA booking against Switzerland would see Bellingham suspended for England’s semi-final clash should they progressCredit: GettySo while the star midfielder can face Switzerland in Saturday’s Euro 2024 quarter-final, a booking rules him out of the semi if England progress.Southgate, who is set to change to a back three, praised Bellingham for how he handled his last-gasp leveller in their dramatic 2-1 win in the last 16.The boss said: “I don’t know how I’d have reacted in that moment if that was me, at his age as well. I’m so mindful of everything he’s achieving and the spotlight on his world, and at that age. Or any age.”Nobody is going to be perfect so, at 21, you are going to react emotionally.READ MORE ON EURO 2024″Without that emotion, I don’t think you have the type of player he is — so I think he actually deals with everything so well.”Bellingham was rapped for pretending to grab his crotch after scoring against Slovakia.Southgate added: “It’s a common-sense decision by Uefa. Clearly, it’s an unprecedented moment in someone’s life to score a goal like that in the 96th minute.”Match officials made no mention of the gesture but Uefa still intervened.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGareth Southgate still wants Bellingham to play with emotion despite facing a banCredit: GettyJude Bellingham is like David Beckham – Emile HeskeyEXCLUSIVE by Tom Barclay in ErfurtEMILE HESKEY witnessed up close the David Beckham phenomenon.And in current England hero Jude Bellingham, the former striker sees a kindred spirit to Goldenballs who too possesses a power to transcend football.Ex-Leicester and Liverpool forward Heskey played with Beckham for many years for the national team.They competed together at Euro 2000 in Belgium and the Netherlands, World Cup 2002 in Japan and South Korea and Euro 2004 in Portugal.Beckham mania was at its height during that period and Heskey had a front row seat to it all, so is well-placed to observe if man-of-the-moment Bellingham is following a similar path.Heskey, 46, told SunSport courtesy of 888Sport: “Beckham was an icon. He took the world by storm, not just football.“He was the very first figure that took it outside of football. Transcend not just being a footballer, but being this big icon.“I was at the 2002 World Cup and everyone was sporting Beckham haircuts, from kids to grown-men, to women.“You’re a huge superstar when you’re doing that, especially in places like Japan.“We had 3,000 watching training sessions and that was because of him.“He’s a fantastic and wonderful icon. You can see where Jude is going with that with some of the stuff he’s doing.”The similarities between Beckham and Bellingham are clear – both are trend-setting pin-up boys who revel in the limelight.First and foremost, as Heskey pointed out, is their ability on the pitch which is capable of lifting an entire team with one moment of brilliance.Beckham had it with that unforgettable, last-gasp free-kick against Greece in 2001.Bellingham had his three days ago in Gelsenkirchen with THAT overhead kick against Slovakia.Heskey was captained many times by Beckham for England. He recalled: “Becks was quite quiet to be honest.“He was a fantastic captain because he led by example. You can see that in Jude.“He’s the one that really wants to take the game by the scruff of the neck, whether it be technically, physically or emotionally.“He’s the one getting the crowd going, he’s the one that is willing to put his foot in where it hurts. He’s a great all-round leader.“Becks was that. He was fantastic as a captain for me in the sense of what a captain does. He was the first one there, he led us by example. If there were any problems, he’s the one we can go to and he sorted all that out.“You can see the similar sort of traits in Jude. A wonderful, wonderful player, a great character who is doing tremendous things on the pitch.”Heskey is confident his fellow former Birmingham man Bellingham will be able to handle the ever-brightening spotlight that is on him, thanks to the strength of his support network.And Michael Owen’s old strike partner has been so impressed with how the Real Madrid midfielder speaks publicly despite only turning 21 on Saturday.Heskey added: “Jude’s family nucleus is very strong.“His dad is an ex-footballer, a policeman as well. His mother is a role model in the sense of being his mum. You see how strong they are as a family.“That’s when you’re getting a real grounded and well-versed child who is growing into an amazing man. I think he’ll be able to handle all that.“Football clubs have all these different ways of helping players with certain things that are going on, even down to media training.“I doubt Becks would have had any media training. I never had any media training, so you get thrust into that.“But when you look at the likes of Jude, you see how well they talk on the mic and the television.”England are still sweating on if Bellingham will escape a ban for Saturday’s quarter-final with Switzerland.Uefa are investigating a “potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct” after he made what seemed to be a crude gesture when celebrating his amazing leveller against the Slovaks.Heskey admits missing Bellingham in Dusseldorf would be a huge blow, but pointed to how back-up players led England to glory the last time we won a major trophy in 1966.The ex-Aston Villa and Wigan forward added: “Hopefully we don’t lose him.“Then again it’s then for others, having the opportunity that they might not have had, to step up to the plate.“We’ve seen it so many times. Even when talking about the last time we won a trophy, I believe that Jimmy Greaves was the one who was supposed to be playing.“Then you have an injury or a setback and you’ve got to step up to the plate. And the rest is history.”Bellingham is also one of five England players on yellow cards — along with Phil Foden, Kobbie Mainoo, Conor Gallagher and Kieran Trippier.Most read in Euro 2024Another caution would see them miss the semi-final.Jude Bellingham defends controversial gesture ‘towards Slovakian bench’ after saving England’s Euro 2024 hopesEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYSouthgate said: “It’s something we focus on.”You don’t want to lose players on disciplinary issues. Equally, players have to make challenges and they can’t be going in half-heartedly, looking to avoid a suspension.”Southgate is set to play with a back three of Kyle Walker, John Stones and Ezri Konsa on Saturday night, with Marc Guehi suspended.Bukayo Saka is likely to play left wing-back, with Trippier preferred to Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right and Mainoo alongside Declan Rice.And Southgate feels fans will see a different England.He said: “Every team wants to excite and score goals. We have played opposition who have made it very difficult for us.”The team in training now looks in a different place mentally. They look more fluid and I expect us to play well.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The longer the players are here, the more belief they have.”We have to be ready to deliver and dig deep but they are highly motivated and can see the possibility of a semi-final, so there is a buzz about them.”Southgate needs Mainoo to help cure England’s fear, says Jack WilshereKOBBIE MAINOO has shown he is the player that England need to build their midfield ­— and their team — around, writes Jack Wilshere.That’s what I felt as it looked like we were slipping to defeat against Slovakia.I know he was not on the pitch when our goals went in.But until that unbelievable comeback, Mainoo was our best player.He has a fearlessness and an instinct to do the right things at the right times that seemed to be lacking for so much of the game.Mainoo alongside Declan Rice gives England better structure. In theory, at least, because for so long it didn’t look like that.You can have any structure you like but if a team, individually and collectively, lacks confidence, you cannot use that structure effectively.A fear can creep in. A fear of failing. A fear of losing the ball.It is partly because of his age that Mainoo does not have that, or appears not to have it.This was his first start in a major tournament. He does not know what it is like to have a bad one.If we want to win this tournament, starting with the quarter-final against Switzerland, we will need to control games better.Mainoo is the kind of midfielder England have been crying out for for a long time.He can be the glue that holds together this team for the rest of the tournament and well into the future.Read Jack Wilshere’s column in full.Or check out all of Jack’s Euro 2024 opinions. More

WATCHING Jude Bellingham gives me feelings that I haven’t had since I was a kid.As a fan, that amazing goal against Slovakia took me back.Jude Bellingham stole the show for England against SlovakiaCredit: GettyThe Real Madrid star has become England’s star playerCredit: GettyGareth Southgate has given Bellingham the platform to performCredit: GettyBut with my coach’s hat on, it is now about whether he and England can deliver a complete display rather than one unforgettable moment.Bellingham has an aura that you just don’t see very often.My hero growing up was David Beckham. When I remember England, it’s his moments I think of, like the free-kick against Greece.Not many players come up with those moments, especially when their country needs them the most.REAAD MORE ON EURO 2024Wayne Rooney was the only player who had anything close to that Beckham effect.I think they were the only two shirts I had. I remember Rooney in 2004 when I would have been 12.I have kids myself. My eldest is the age I was in 2004. I can see the Jude effect on him is like that, if not bigger.He loves him, he watches him, he’s THE player, the one that he wants to be and looks up to.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSI know different people have had different reactions to the way Jude celebrated.But part of me just loves that he has that confidence.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesSouthgate needs Mainoo to help cure England’s fear, says Jack WilshereKOBBIE MAINOO has shown he is the player that England need to build their midfield ­— and their team — around, writes Jack Wilshere.That’s what I felt as it looked like we were slipping to defeat against Slovakia.I know he was not on the pitch when our goals went in.But until that unbelievable comeback, Mainoo was our best player.He has a fearlessness and an instinct to do the right things at the right times that seemed to be lacking for so much of the game.Mainoo alongside Declan Rice gives England better structure. In theory, at least, because for so long it didn’t look like that.You can have any structure you like but if a team, individually and collectively, lacks confidence, you cannot use that structure effectively.A fear can creep in. A fear of failing. A fear of losing the ball.It is partly because of his age that Mainoo does not have that, or appears not to have it.This was his first start in a major tournament. He does not know what it is like to have a bad one.If we want to win this tournament, starting with the quarter-final against Switzerland, we will need to control games better.Mainoo is the kind of midfielder England have been crying out for for a long time.He can be the glue that holds together this team for the rest of the tournament and well into the future.Read Jack Wilshere’s column in full.Or check out all of Jack’s Euro 2024 opinions.And there was more to it.Jude was also saying, “I know I haven’t been good enough, you know I haven’t been good enough, but who else was it going to be?”He and the team know they can’t rely on overhead kicks in the 95th minute. That’s not how you win tournaments.When you coach young players like I do, you still want there to be a level of humility because they haven’t achieved anything yet in the game.But you don’t want to coach their freedom out of them.It is a tribute to the environment that Gareth Southgate has created with England that someone like Bellingham feels able to completely be himself.People have been quick to jump on Gareth and say he’s safe and only wants a certain type of character. I think he does to an extent, and that’s only natural for a coach.The question has always been: does he really like that personality that’s a bit out there?EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYAllowing Jude to be that guy and express himself — which is when you get the best Jude — is something that Gareth has managed really well.When I look at where I want to get to as a coach, that is  a benchmark. Gareth has changed the culture in and around the England squad.The work he has done is something I am sure the FA will continue with whenever he leaves the job.The relationships he has created internally with players and staff — and externally with the media and the country — have made playing for England a better experience than it was when I was in the squad.While I appreciate that things have been tough at this tournament, it feels like we were under more pressure in my era.Hopefully Jude’s goal will be a real turning point, more than just a one-off moment that did not ultimately lead to anything.It will give England and himself confidence. No matter how badly something is going, if you score a goal like that you gain a lot of confidence.There’s a lot of talk about England going to a back three with wing-backs. I think it will suit us and Bellingham a little bit more, given how  we have been playing.It gives us more structure in possession. We can easily drop to a back five out of possession if the opposition starts to get control in a game. It looks like we need that defensively.It makes us more compact. It gives us that extra defender when the ball comes into the box. We can get pace in the wide areas, get the ball up the field quicker.I would like to see more energy and penetration from England. When we have the ball, yes, be patient but, when it’s there to play through, do it.Even if we lose it, let’s press again and get the ball back.Bukayo Saka’s natural thought when he loses the ball at Arsenal is to go forward. He will want to press and if we do win the ball, it will give us the chance to hurt them on the counter-attack.A 3-4-2-1 formation would also give Phil Foden and Bellingham the opportunity to play in their best positions, both behind Harry Kane.Also if Harry comes a bit lower, we still have a player in Jude who can get in behind.We want to see Jude in the final third more often. This set-up should do it.I would like him to hold his position more, although I do understand why he sometimes comes out  to get the ball so he can make something happen.But the switch in system should give him a better chance of producing another moment like he did against Slovakia.XHAK’S ALL FOLKSJack Wilshere and Granit Xhaka were team-mates at ArsenalCredit: ReutersWHEN Arsenal signed Granit Xhaka in 2016, I went out on loan to Bournemouth and he kind of took my position!But in the end I played with him for a season and we got on well. I can’t speak highly enough of him as a player and a person.We may have played against each other in younger age groups but one game I definitely remember was a Euros qualifier at Wembley at the end of the 2010-11 season, when I’d had a really good year.Granit made his full debut in the game and it was one of my first starts for England.Although I played well, we went 2-0 down but came back to draw — and he was really tough to play against, very aggressive.When I came back to Arsenal, I loved playing with him. He was technically good and a top guy. Granit would be the first to say he’s not as good as Andrea Pirlo but he has something of that style about him. He knows when to slow the game down.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe controls possession for Switzerland — and England have to stop him doing that.If we press him, put pressure on him, I’m not sure he’s the best in those situations. And if England do that and stop Granit doing what he does best, they will have a good chance of winning. 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ENGLAND fans revelled in Germany’s Euro 2024 exit as they took to the streets of the host nation to celebrate with a hilarious song.Julian Nagelsmann’s side were dramatically beaten 2-1 by Spain after extra time in Stuttgart on Friday night.Hosts Germany were dumped out by Spain in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024Credit: APEngland fans in Germany sung several brutal chants following the hosts’ exitCredit: The SunThey thought they had rescued their Euros dream from the jaws of defeat when Florian Wirtz’s 89-minute strike cancelled out Dani Olmo’s opener.The quarter-final seemed to be heading for penalties, before substitute Mikel Merino popped up with the winner one minute before the end of extra time.It was a heartbreaking end for the Germans, a defeat which also brought to a close the career of legendary Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos.But England fans in Germany showed little remorse for the gut-wrenching nature of their rival’s exit.READ MORE ON EURO 2024SunSport captured a group of Three Lions supporters singing the English national anthem.They were then also heard leading a chant of: “Auf Wiedersehen [goodbye].”And a rendition of the X-rated song “You’re f***ing s***,” was also belted out on the streets.It comes 24 hours before England face a crunch quarter-final of their own.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeet Germany’s Euro 2024 WagsGermany’s Wags range from a glam architect to a leading equestrian and a fashion model.Dani ter Stegen (Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s wife)One of Germany’s most popular Wags with over 600,000 Instagram followers. Earned a degree in architecture after moving to Barcelona with her husband.Sara Gundogan (Ilkay Gundogan’s wife)Italian model was never shy to pop a dig at Manchester while Ilkay was at Man City, but has changed her tune and said she misses the city since his move to Barcelona.Jessica Kroos (Toni Kroos’ wife)Couple first met when Toni was 18 and she was 20. Jessica is credited with convincing the soon-to-retire Germany star to sign a new Real Madrid deal at a time when he was wavering.Candice Brook (Leroy Sane’s girlfriend)American model helped Harry Kane get used to Germany and overcome the language barrier following his move to Bayern Munich.Sophia Weber (Kai Havertz’s fiancee)Soon-to-be Mrs Havertz has struck up a close friendship with Martin Odegaard’s partner Helene Spilling. Sophia recently enjoyed a hen party in Ibiza.Lisa Muller (Thomas Muller’s wife)Lisa is a famous dressage rider in Germany and reportedly convinced her husband not to join Man Utd.Find out more about the Germany Euro 2024 Wags hereGareth Southgate’s men take on Switzerland in Dusseldorf on Saturday evening.The England boss is set to switch to a back three for the crunch game as he shakes things up in a bid to improve the Three Lions’ performances.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesIf they can get past the Swiss, they will face either the Netherlands or Turkey in Dortmund on Wednesday.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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. Cristiano Ronaldo passed up on a free-kick to Bruno FernandesCredit: AFPMany expected Ronaldo to strikeBut 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. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut 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. Most read in Euro 2024How Portugal have performed at the Euros with Cristiano RonaldoCRISTIANO RONALDO has been a model of longevity for more than two decades in an outstanding international career.Euro 2004After 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 2008Ronaldo 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 2012Playing 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 2016Ronaldo 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 2020Ronaldo 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.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY”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.”Why Cristiano Ronaldo cried at Euro 2024Ferdinand 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. Gary Lineker revealed his bet with Rio Ferdinand More