Euro 2012: Cristiano Ronaldo and the Top 5 Free-Kick Masters to Watch for

A free-kick goal is one of the most exciting spectacles in world football.

Is there anything more majestic in the game of football than watching a laser free-kick fly into the postage stamp?

The stadium seems to hold its collective breath and time stands still as the ball hurtles toward the net. 

On soccer's second-biggest stage, some of the world's greatest free-kick takers will take the field to showcase their talents for the whole planet. 

Here are five masters of the art of the free-kick who will be taking the pitch in this year's Euros.

Santi Cazorla, Spain

Santi Cazorla, who plys his trade in Spain with moneybags Malaga, scored nine goals in the league, including this scorcher against fellow moneybags Real Madrid.

Santi Cazorla also scored this cheeky free-kick in a recent friendly against South Korea, putting the ball under the wall and into the near corner. 

Even though Spain has a plethora of free-kick takers on the pitch at any given time, look for Santi Cazorla to step up to the dead ball and make some magic happen. 

You know what, just watch out for Spain. Anyone at any given time could produce something amazing for Spain (and probably will). 

Wesley Sneijder, Netherlands

Whenever Wesley Sneijder steps over the ball, Dutch fans have so many reasons to get excited.

This video is a compilation of the Dutchman's 22 free-kick goals he's scored in his career, from his time at Ajax as a youngster to his current stint with Inter Milan and his career with the Dutch national team.

Sneijder has been scoring free-kicks his whole life—he's gotten pretty good at it.  

Andrea Pirlo, Italy

Andrea Pirlo is another footballer who has been scoring free-kicks for a long time.

The 32-year-old Italian has scored some beautiful free-kicks over his illustrious career, including this one against Scotland. 

Italy will be relying on not only his free-kick taking prowess, but also his leadership abilities as he leads a blend of youngsters and veterans in their quest for their first European Championship since 1968.  

Robin Van Persie, Netherlands

Robin van Persie is coming off arguably his best season in an Arsenal shirt, and is riding that momentum into the European Championships.

Unlike the other players on this list, van Persie seems to just hit the ball wicked hard and it just flies into the net. 

With players like Sneijder and Arjen Robben hovering over the ball this tournament, it might be hard for van Persie to take a whack, but if he does, look out. 

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal

It is absolutely disgusting how good Cristiano Ronaldo is with a dead ball at his feet. 

It's as if he controls the ball with his mind half the time. It's almost not fair to the other team. 

You can't take your eyes off him when he has the ball at his feet; Ronaldo is going to have to harness this attention and command the field if Portugal has any chance of escaping the Group of Death. 

A Ronaldo free-kick can change the complexion of a match.

He is that good. 

Your Thoughts?

The Euros are a chance for Europe's best players to showcase their talents for the whole world. Naturally, some of the world's best will be taking the stage.

If there is someone you feel I egregiously left out, say so in the comments section; I would be more than happy to discuss it with you!