Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal: How Would They Fare at the Euros

Author: Raphael Minter


Cristiano Ronaldo is entering the Euros with high hopes being backed by his success in the 2015/16 season that saw him net 51 goals and crowning off the season with the decisive penalty kick in the Champions League final in Milan.

Portugal are coming into the competition having failed to make an impact at the 2014 FIFA World Cup where they finished third in a group that comprised of eventual winners Germany, USA and Ghana.

A taste of a major final has eluded Portugal and a quest for a major final appearance is on the cards after coming close at the 2004 Euros where they lost on home soil to surprised winners Greece.

Portugal Looking To Go a Step beyond Euro 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo is the only survivor of that Portugal team and with no minnows in this year’s Euros, Portugal face a tough test in going a step further than what they achieved at Poland and Ukraine four years ago when they were eliminated by eventual champions Spain on penalties.

On Tuesday, they kick off Group F with a match against an Iceland side that has no recognizable player other than Eidur Gudjohnssen. Iceland are going into this game brimming with confidence because they have got nothing to lose.

The kickoff of the Euros has seen an upgrade in terms of performances and more cohesiveness in team play. Portugal’s opener against Iceland would thrill fans in two ways. Either Iceland upset the odds and makes a claim in gaining points as well as continuing the uncertainty of this year’s Euros or Portugal would end the goal drought that has befriended the tournament.

Portugal also face Austria featuring the likes of David Alaba and Arnautovic and crown off the group with Hungary, a side that is brimming with confidence and looking to upset the odds.

 


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