Cristiano Ronaldo’s woeful free kick record at international tournaments exposed with Portugal star scoring just ONCE
CRISTIANO RONALDO’S woeful free-kick record at international tournaments has been exposed.
The Portugal star failed to hit the target yet again in yesterday’s win over Sloveina as his Euros goal drought rumbled on.
Ronaldo has now gone four games without scoring after his side edged into the quarters with a penalty shootout victory.
Earlier in extra time, the legendary striker missed a spot-kick before being left in tears.
Ronaldo was even trolled by BBC Sport, who received a telling-off from John Terry, after branding him ‘Misstiano Penaldo’.
But Ronaldo’s free-kick technique during the game also left little to be desired.
He took three of the set-pieces yesterday but saw his efforts go nowhere near the goal.
And it has now transpired that Ronaldo has a dismal record when it comes to free-kicks at major international tournaments.
The 39-year-old is currently starring in his SIXTH Euros.
While the 2022 World Cup was his fifth appearance at the tournament.
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During those 11 competitions, Ronaldo has taken a grand total of 60 direct free-kicks.
However, he has only ever managed to score ONE of those efforts.
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And that leaves him with a dismal success rate of just 1.7 per cent.
The one and only time Ronaldo hit the target was at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where he netted in the 3-3 group stage draw with Spain.
The figure is even more surprising considering Ronaldo has scored 63 free-kicks during his glittering career.
He is seventh on the all-time list behind technique kings including Pele, David Beckham and leader Juninho Pernambucano.
Ronaldo also trails Messi on the list by just two strikes.
And stats show the World Cup winner has a much better success rate at international tournaments, netting five of his 53 direct free-kicks.
Indeed, even former England star and Bayern Munich defender Eric Dier boasts as many free-kick goals as Ronaldo.
The centre-back netted one at Euro 2016 in the Three Lions’ 1-1 draw with Russia.
But with Ronaldo fighting to see another day after Portugal set up a quarter-final clash with France on Friday, he may get another opportunity to double his tally from outside the box.
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.