Previously, Portugal participated in the World Cup 3 times, the Euro 3 times but had no achievements. Since Ronaldo appeared, the Iberian team has participated in the World Cup 5 times, the Euro finals 6 times and won 3 major titles, including 2 Nations League championships and 1 Euro championship.
For the second time in history, Portugal have not convinced their fans, despite eliminating Germany, the heavyweight contender and host of the final round, right before the final match of the tournament. However, witnessing more than 65,000 spectators eagerly filling the four stands of the Allianz Arena to watch the two Iberian teams compete for the championship, one can see the true stature and class of Portugal. "European Selecao" is not only a beautiful name for a team with a flamboyant, fluttering style of play similar to Brazil, but also a valuable sketch of a true force in football in the old continent.
Portugal, having trailed twice, caught up with Spain both times before turning things around and forcing the world's best team to surrender in the final penalty shootout. Roberto Martinez's side seemed all too familiar with the "start slow, finish fast" playbook, which they had done so well to eliminate hosts Germany in the semi-finals.
40-year-old superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and his third title with the Portuguese team. (Photo: UEFA)
Is there any other team besides Portugal that can conquer two big opponents, who have never lost a match since the start of the Nations League campaign? With a team of warriors with rare depth in Europe, from experienced stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha to the promising young generation like Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Rafael Leao, Francisco Conceicao..., coach Roberto Martinez only needs to unite everyone in the appropriate tactical formation for a journey of conquest.
People talk a lot about Portugal still having to depend on Ronaldo as they have for the past 2 decades, as well as complaining that no coach is capable of raising the level of the team representing the top player exporting football in Europe today. However, the "early ripe fruit" that coach Martinez has brought can completely convince even the most demanding fans about the positive changes in the Portuguese team.
The performances against Germany and Spain were truly convincing, showing that Portugal knows how to advance and retreat, playing creatively against all opponents with a cohesive squad, where experience and youth are combined into a unified whole. From superstars like Ronaldo to a little-known defender like Nuno Mendes, all are ready to explode to shine, capable of leading Portugal to overcome all obstacles to reach success.
Ronaldo played his first game for Portugal in 2003, when Gonçalo Ramos was less than 2 years old.
Now, after 219 appearances, scoring his 138th goal for the national team (938 goals in his entire career) and winning 3 major titles after more than 2 decades, 40-year-old superstar striker Ronaldo is still tirelessly searching for more lifetime achievements every day and every match.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/bo-dao-nha-va-ronaldo-196250609220515929.htm
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