Portugal were held to a goalless draw at Parc des Princes on Saturday in their group stage fixture against Austria as Real Madrid ace Cristiano Ronaldo wasted a penalty in front of an audience of 44,291. Portugal having previously drawn with Iceland find themselves with a do or die match against group leaders Hungary.
In what was a game to forget for Portugal fans as their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo missed all kinds of chances: from set pieces, penalty spots, free kicks and open play. Portugal now face an uphill task to finish top of their group, needing all three points against Hungary in their final game.
Manager Reactions
Portugal coach Fernando Santos was visibly irritated when questioned about Ronaldo. When an English-speaking reporter asked him how Ronaldo was feeling, Santos interrupted and said: “I understand, but I don’t talk about Cristiano Ronaldo please. The Portuguese journalists know not to ask because I only talk about the team and not individual players.” (via ESPNFC)
Having had 22 shots on goal so far, Ronaldo has failed to score even once. Last night however, there were no boos or jeers reserved for him in the crowd. The reaction was actual laughter after Ronaldo scored an offside goal. The reverberating laughter resounded through to even television sets. Needless to say, it was one of the most embarrassing moments for the Portuguese star.
Santos instead went on to talk about the team – “We can’t wallow in our own misery. There is a final to play on the 22nd, our first final of these Euros,” Santos said.
“When we talk about the team, we can’t concentrate on how many missed chances we had — fair or unfair — this is football.
“It’s unfair, that’s true, but it’s useless to discuss it now because the next match is a final for us.”
Twitter Reactions
THT looks at some of the mixed twitter responses from all over the world following Portugal’s recent setback and Ronaldo’s series of faux pas. There were those who genuinely sympathised with Ronaldo’s plight.
Despite the delicious vein of memes in Ronaldo’s existential terror, I genuinely feel for him in this moment. This can’t be easy.
— James Tyler (@JamesTylerESPN) June 18, 2016
Say what you want about Ronaldo but stopping security to take a selfie with a fan after last night’s game is superb! https://t.co/5qpoJJTHMy
— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) June 19, 2016
I know why, but it’s still odd to think that Ronaldo is easily the most mocked of all the game’s great players. In the end, he’s a star.
Cristiano Ronaldo nightmare v Austria proof that even the greatest players have bad days. Wouldn’t want to face him next.
— Ian Darke (@IanDarke) June 19, 2016
— Paul Hayward (@_PaulHayward) June 18, 2016
There were inevitable ‘trolls’ and mockeries directed towards the Portugal star along with comparisons with Messi and Bale:
Free-kicks in major tournaments:
Ronaldo:
Taken: 36
Scored: 0Dier:
Taken: 1
Scored: 1Bale:
Taken: 3
Scored: 2 pic.twitter.com/39CcqDK18Y— Best Sporting News (@Comenzum) June 19, 2016
Ronaldo’s free kick conversion rate is 2.08%, Messi can miss 147 attempts to reach that figure. pic.twitter.com/QzcQrWEuq2
— GeniusFootball (@GeniusFootball) June 19, 2016
He might have missed a penalty but Ronaldo never misses a photo opportunity #EURO2016 #PORAUThttps://t.co/NREg3WNa7U
— CrownBet.com.au (@crownbet) June 19, 2016
Bit harsh for Ronaldo. He must feel miserable. I hope he doesn’t cry. Would ruin his make-up.
— Tushar (@MainManPhil) June 18, 2016
Cristiano Ronaldo at Euro 2016 pic.twitter.com/WeZ3f3MBps
— Sellvio Berlu$coni (@Pure_Milanista) June 18, 2016
