Euro 2012 Day 14 Wrap: Cristiano Ronaldo Leads Portugal to Semifinals
The Cristiano Ronaldo Show continues, and we're all better off because of it.
Ronaldo scored again and Portugal won again Thursday, and after 14 days of competition, it might be time to wonder whether Euro 2012 belongs to the carefully coiffed superstar.
This time, Ronaldo headed home the only goal in Portugal's 1-0 quarterfinal victory over the Czech Republic, but that almost makes the match sound like something it wasn't.
If you happened to miss it (poor you), kindly refer back to the first sentence of this write-up. The scoreline said Portugal 1, Czech Republic 0, but this was the Cristiano Ronaldo Show.
And what a show it was. Europe's best player demonstrated why he's just that with a memorable display of attacking verve, and if this continues, we'll all be telling our grandkids about it one day.
How long can it last? Check back next Wednesday.
Regal Ronaldo
1 of 8Cristiano Ronaldo scored the only goal Thursday in Portugal's 1-0 victory over the Czech Republic, but that wasn't all.
Portugal's captain came close a number of times and, in short, played everyone else off the pitch.
The fun started in the 33rd minute of an otherwise dreary first half. That's when Ronaldo attempted to score with a ridiculous overhead kick.
His shot flew wide, but it served as a warning to the Czechs. Plenty more remained in store.
Just before halftime, Ronaldo hit the near post after an even more ridiculous chest-down, turn and shot.
Not long after the break, he hit the post again, this time with a trademark knuckleball free kick.
Finally, in the 79th minute, Ronaldo and Portugal got the goal they deserved, an angled Ronaldo header off of João Moutinho's gorgeous cross from the right side.
B/R world football lead writer Will Tidey drooled over the goal thus:
"We've all seen Ronaldo pick up the ball and part a sea of defenders before him, but this was a goal that was owed as much to his work rate as it was to his phenomenal technique.
First, you have to know where to run. Then, you have to be intelligent enough to time your run. Only when you get there can you demonstrate why you're the best player in Europe.
For the second match in a row, Ronaldo would not be denied.
"
Serious question: Can anyone deny Ronaldo?
Legend in the Making
2 of 8Portuguese legends Eusebia and Luis Figo witnessed Cristiano Ronaldo's heroics Thursday.
Their reaction to Ronaldo's goal appears in the video at left.
Eusebio (on the left side in the video) led Portugal to the 1966 World Cup semifinals in England, winning the Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer along the way.
Luis Figo spearheaded Portugal's so-called "Golden Generation of the 1990s and 2000s. After winning FIFA World Youth Championships in 1989 and 1991, Figo's Portugal finished second at Euro 2004 on home turf.
Ronaldo, by the way, was a teenage member of that 2004 squad.
Ronaldo: We Just Have to Believe
3 of 8After the match, Cristiano Ronaldo reiterated Portugal's desire to reach the Euro 2012 final.
Here's what he said, via BBC Sport:
"Our great aim is to get to the final. We have a great squad and now I'd say the chances are 50-50 and we just have to believe. We are very mature, so we are ready for the fight."
Sivok: Portugal Deserved It
4 of 8In his post-match remarks, Czech defender Tomas Sivok admitted that Portugal deserved to win.
Here's what he said, via UEFA.com:
"My feelings definitely aren't pleasant. We lost, we've been eliminated. I'm afraid we have to admit that Portugal were much better in the second half – we were running more without the ball than with it. Portugal handled the match well today, they were the better team and deserved to progress.
"
Headers
5 of 8Euro 2012 is officially the tournament of the header.
Cristiano Ronaldo's goal against the Czech Republic was the competition's 18th headed goal. That's a new record, according to Opta.
Retirements
6 of 8Euro 2012 will be the final international tournament for at least two big names.
Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko announced his international retirement following Ukraine's elimination earlier this week (per Sky Sports).
Dutch midfielder and captain Mark van Bommel also retired after Holland's disappointing run at Euro 2012. The Netherlands lost all three matches in Group B (per Reuters, via Eurosport-Yahoo!).
Up Next
7 of 8Portugal will play either Spain or France on Wednesday in the semifinals. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:45 p.m. ET in Donetsk.
The quarterfinals continue Friday, with Group B winners Germany facing Greece in Gdansk.
Greece captain Giorgos Karagounis will miss the match through suspension, but Germany defender Jerome Boateng is available for selection after serving a one-match ban (via BBC Sport).
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