Cristiano Ronaldo: Dazzling Display Sets Standard for Rest of CR7's Euro Play

Up until Saturday's two-goal performance against the Netherlands, Cristiano Ronaldo had failed to play in Euro 2012 like the world's second-best footballer.

But after that performance, Ronaldo will be expected to deliver game-changing performances on a regular basis. 

Not that he isn't expected to be the best player on the pitch each and every game; he is considered one of international football's most devastating talents for a reason.

But Ronaldo had failed to score in two games prior to Sunday's breakout performance. 

Why? No one knows.

What we do know is that he will be expected to net a goal, or two, for Portugal from here on out. He spearheads their dynamic attack, and he will be expected to play that way.

The kinks appear to be gone, and Ronaldo looks like Ronaldo.

Let's take a look at his performance on Sunday and what to expect moving forward.

Sunday's Tilt

Rafael van der Vaart gave the Netherlands the lead in the game's 11th minute, but Ronaldo didn't wast much time in his response. 

His first goal of the day knotted the score at one in the 28th minute. Joao Pereira hit Ronaldo with a flawless service, and "CR7" knocked the pass home in familiar fashion.

After that, scoring came to a halt for 46 minutes. 

In the 74th minute, Portugal took the lead with Ronaldo's brace-clinching marker. He took the pass from former Red Devil teammate Nani, deked the defender and bested the keeper with chilling coolness. 

Ronaldo's two goals were the difference for his squad on Sunday. He scored in his normal, relaxed fashion and devastated an opponent for the umpteenth time in his professional career.

Without him, the Netherlands would have won this match and moved on to face the Czech Republic on Thursday during Euro's elimination stages.

And that brings me to my next point.

What Can We Expect From Ronaldo Going Forward?

We can, and should, expect exactly the same thing in future Euro matches. 

Ronaldo got himself on track on Sunday. Netherlands coach Bert Van Marwijk summed it up perfectly in the New York Daily News:

"

Ronaldo got so much criticism in the last game and he is back now. That is how fast things can change. 

"

With a player of Ronaldo's caliber, that is exactly right. He is too talented—and too experienced—to be held down for long. 

Granted, opposing players place grave importance on knowing Ronaldo's whereabouts. You would be crazy not to. Portugal has other dangerous players, but Ronaldo is their unquestioned leader.

Portugal's next match is against a dangerous Czech Republic squad. 

Beating Czech goalkeeper Peter Cech will be a stiff test for Ronaldo, but he should have no trouble handling their defensive unit. 

He set the bar high with Sunday's performance, but anyone who's followed Ronaldo's career shouldn't be surprised. 

Those same people won't be surprised when he continues to dazzle opponents from here on out.