Cristiano Ronaldo breaks protocol with bizarre start to Euro 2024 campaign

18 June 2024 , 21:50
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Fans spot the Portugal legend adding a surprise dimension to his gifts in opening win
Fans spot the Portugal legend adding a surprise dimension to his gifts in opening win

CRISTIANO RONALDO broke protocol instead of more records with a unique start to Euro 2024.

The Portugal legend shocked fans by adding a dashing new dimension to his game at the kick-off in a 2-1 comeback win over the Czech Republic.

Cristiano Ronaldo was quicker off the blocks than anyone expected qhiddrizitkprw
Cristiano Ronaldo was quicker off the blocks than anyone expected
Ronaldo celebrates Portugal's dramatic victory over the Czechs
Ronaldo celebrates Portugal's dramatic victory over the CzechsCredit: EPA
The ex-Real Madrid frontman was a step ahead of the game
The ex-Real Madrid frontman was a step ahead of the game

Ronaldo, 39, is the Euros' top scorer ever on 14 goals and its highest appearance-maker in history on 26.

And in Tuesday's group opener he also became the first player to appear in the finals of six such tournaments.

But for many viewers the ex-Manchester United striker's evening will be remembered for the way he began it at the Leipzig Stadium.

Ronaldo falls well short behind world's richest footballer despite £1.3bn dealRonaldo falls well short behind world's richest footballer despite £1.3bn deal

As Portugal touched the ball back to launch proceedings, the Al-Nassr star as somehow several metres inside the Czech half - scampering down the right.

Ron your marks... get set... already gone!

"This guy is too eager," posted one astonished fan.

"What is bud doing? He thinks he’s at the Olympics," suggested another.

Ronaldo's burst was so sharp that he was in line with Czech MIDFIELDERS as Portugal kicked off.

Predictably Ronaldo was busy in advanced areas
Predictably Ronaldo was busy in advanced areas

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But one observer claimed such pro-active rather than reactive thinking explained "why he’s the goat bro".

A few fans reckon Ron's antics were cheeky to the point of "cheating".

But most were just gobsmacked by his unusual move.

However, the rest of the night was more satisfactory than sensational for Ronaldo.

Ferdinand uses Rooney example to defend Ronaldo "disgrace" claimsFerdinand uses Rooney example to defend Ronaldo "disgrace" claims

Lukas Provod thudded a surprise long-range opener for the under-pressure Czechs midway through the second period.

But  Robin Hranac's own goal and a rebound winner from late sub Francisco Conceicao earned Roberto Martinez's men the victory their ample possession deserved. 

Ian Tuckey

Portugal, Manchester United, Juventus, Al-Nassr, Euro 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo

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