Cristiano Ronaldo must find excellent finishing form to justify a place in Portugal’s starting XI | Football news

There were moments of nice touch, especially in the first half. He turned back the years with a slick backheel pass to Vitinha.

But he just wasn’t his usual exceptional self that fans have come to associate with the star playing in his sixth consecutive European Championship since his debut in the 2004 edition of the championships more than two decades ago. It is this longevity, along with his scoring style, that has prevented Ronaldo from facing the same kind of criticism that someone like Belgian Romelu Lukaku faces for his unpredictable finishing skills, the latest after his misses against Slovakia in a match that the Red Devils lost 1-0.

Football – Euro 2024 – Group F – Portugal v Czech Republic – Leipzig Stadium, Leipzig, Germany – June 18, 2024 Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo kisses the ball REUTERS/Karina Hessland

On Tuesday night, Ronaldo’s finishing was a cause for concern for the Portuguese side and their coach Roberto Martinez, who will have a lot to think about after the final whistle.

In the largely Portuguese-dominated match, the players created plenty of chances for their talisman, all of which if he was in top form would have resulted in goals. But for a striker who has spent 18 months in the Saudi League, where the level of competition is lower and the margin for error much greater, it will take a lot more than a few international friendlies and a few qualifiers for Ronaldo to get on the right track.

The near misses

Case in point: in the 8th minute, Portugal’s brightest spark, Rafael Leao, cut in from the left and floated a ball towards Ronaldo, who was completely unmarked. The experienced striker who probably expected Leao to enter the penalty area instead of crossing mistimed his header and the ball went well wide of the Czech goalkeeper.

Then Ronaldo, who appeared to be in a tight offside situation, was set free in the penalty area in the 32nd minute by a beautiful pass from ex-Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes. With only the goalkeeper to beat, Ronaldo’s shot was saved by the onrushing Jindrich Staneks as another chance trickled past.

Once again Ronaldo came very close in the first added minute of the first half with a turn and a low sharp shot that was kept out by the goalkeeper.

The missed opportunities continued in the second half as Ronaldo rose to meet a cross in the early exchanges but fired it well over the bar. After a few minutes he had the chance with a free kick, just 30 meters from the Czech goal, but although he managed to beat the wall, the ball went straight into the hands of the goalkeeper.

Football – Euro 2024 – Group F – Portugal v Czech Republic – Leipzig Stadium, Leipzig, Germany – June 18, 2024 Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo shoots on goal from a free kick REUTERS/Lisi Niesner

Portugal would continue their dominance despite these close odds. A goal from Lukas Provod gave the Czech Republic the lead. But Portugal’s ruthless approach forced a mistake from the Czech defense that allowed an equalizer.

Ronaldo almost redeemed himself after an anonymous performance during the second half by smashing a shot into the opponent’s crossbar, the rebound of which was headed into the net by Diogo Jota. But VAR intervened and revealed the Al Nassr player was offside, making the goal invalid.

Ultimately, it was Chico, the son of Sergio Conceicao, a player who played his last international match in Portuguese colors in 2003, the year in which Ronaldo made his international debut, who made the difference in 2024.

The next step

While Martinez may not want to cause controversy by outright dropping Ronaldo from the starting lineup, he could at least replace the player if he needs more attacking options off the bench. On Tuesday, Ronaldo remained on the pitch until the final whistle, despite failing to make much of an impact as the lively Leao was sent off.

With Ronaldo’s near-godlike status in the sport, the transition may take a few more years, but sooner or later Portugal will have to look past their favorite son. With games against Turkey and Georgia looming, two sides who played a scintillating attacking display on Tuesday, Ronaldo may have to channel his top form to justify his place in the Portuguese line-up, at least as a striker.