Portugal vs. Denmark: Ronaldo Proves He Has Problem on International Level

When Euro 2012 started, the knock on Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo was that he has failed to perform up to his lofty club standards at the international level.  For the most part, this seemed like a bit of an over-statement; after all, Ronaldo had played a different role for Portugal as a youngster and really only had one fairly subpar tournament (South Africa 2010).

In Portugal's opening match, those who had put forth the notion of his less-than-stellar international performances claimed validation, as he failed to get too involved in the match.  Still, the benefit of the doubt seemed necessary, as Ronaldo's Portugal team had come up against a very strong and organized German side, which seemed to take away his teammates' ability to serve him.

After this last match, though, there is no longer any doubting the original notion: for whatever reason, Cristiano Ronaldo shrinks on the international stage.

Just look at today, when Portugal took on Denmark in a must-win match for the Iberians in the "Group of Death."

In a match where at least five fairly beautiful goals were scored, Ronaldo had none to show for himself.  But it's not that Cristiano didn't score, it's how he didn't score.

Early in the second half, Ronaldo ran free down the left side of the defense but, when faced with the prospect of having only the keeper between him and the goal, became indecisive and hit straight at Andersen.  Later, it was the miss of the tournament, as CR7 ran into empty space, again one-on-one with Andersen, and slotted just wide in an effort that would have made Fernando Torres cringe.  To make matters worse, Bendtner equalized mere moments later.

Sprinkled in with those misses were indecisive plays that we are just not used to seeing from Ronaldo when he is with Los Blancos.  In a Madrid shirt, he may well have had a hat trick today.

There are going to be many explanations floated for why this is the way it is for Cristiano.

Are his teammates just not up to snuff?

Is he feeling the pressure to deliver on this stage?

Is his confidence shot with Portugal?

Whatever the reasoning for it, one thing is clear: For Portugal to reach their potential and do as well as they can and should at these major tournaments, Cristiano Ronaldo must fix whatever is plaguing him.

For more news on Portugal, Euro 2012, and more, follow me on Twitter:  @Fw1812