Twitter Reacts to Cristiano Ronaldo's Performance vs. Germany

Portugal's 4-0 loss to Germany on Monday was an embarrassing way for Paulo Bento's side to begin their 2014 World Cup campaign, and even the talents of Cristiano Ronaldo couldn't prevent the onslaught.

The 2013 Ballon d'Or winner was unable to stir his side into much of a resistance, where the first-half sending off of Pepe set the tone for a most miserable afternoon.   

Via Bleacher Report

So lacking in impact was the forward that most of the attention that came his way stemmed from an unsuccessful penalty appeal in the second half.

Real Madrid TV presenter Phil Kitromilides sympathises with Los Merengues' star man, however, hinting that anyone would have the same reaction were they put in his shoes:

ESPN's James Horncastle wasn't quite as heartfelt in his emotion, though, using the power of teenage drama Dawson's Creek to poke gentle fun at the Portuguese talisman:

Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC and Opta's Cristian Nyari also commented on the drama, describing the extent to which Ronaldo goes in chasing down the spot kick:

Broadcaster Graham Ruthven sees there being another reason for the energetic appeal, however:

Earlier in the match, Fabio Coentrao had to be withdrawn from the action with a suspected hamstring injury, but as the Mirror's Dan Silver points out, there wasn't much sympathy to be had from the left-back's captain:

Sky Football's Matthew Stanger, meanwhile, questions why Ronaldo was left on the pitch at all, given that the result clearly looked beyond the team with 10 men:

NBC Sports' Arlo White looks on at the prospect of facing Portugal as a far more endearing task for the United States, perhaps sensing that Jurgen Klinsmann's men may be able to cause an upset when they meet Bento's men on Sunday:

For Ronaldo, and indeed the entire Portuguese squad, things can only get better from here.

After all, this performance came against one of the tournament favourites and arguably the strongest chance Europe has of producing a maiden victor in South America.

The prospects of facing Ghana and the United States will give the European giants hopes that they can still claim six points and progress from the group, but their goal difference will also now need to take a major turn for the better after being thumped so heavily.