Euro 2020: Former Arsenal star dubs Cristiano Ronaldo's free-kick taking ability a "myth"
Former Arsenal star Ian Wright feels Cristiano Ronaldo’s free-kick taking ability is a myth after the Portuguese failed to score past Thibaut Courtois on Sunday.
Belgium rode their luck at times to overcome Portugal in the Round of 16 clash at Euro 2020 against the defending champions.
A first-half Thorgan Hazard strike was enough for a dogged Belgium team as Portugal failed to find the back of the net despite creating several openings.
Cristiano Ronaldo made a few attempts on goal from dead-ball situations, but failed to score as Thibaut Courtois and the wall did their job well.
The 36-year old has taken 28 free-kicks since making his debut at Euro 2004, and has failed to find the back of the net even once. He will be 39 by Euro 2024, so it’s unlikely we will ever get to see him bend one in at the European competition.
Also Read: David James column - Top 5 favorites to win Euro 2020
Wright explained that Cristiano Ronaldo’s free-kick record isn’t the best, and that his ability from dead-ball situations is a myth.
“How many of those free-kicks does Ronaldo actually score, I read something that says he's got one in 50.
“It's kind of like a myth, that Ronaldo is on it, watch out everyone. Nothing happens,” Wright said.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal fall after a mixed Euro 2020 campaign
Apart from the game against Germany in the group stage, Portugal have not played too badly. However, they relied too heavily on Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals again, and that has cost them.
Despite having some talented players in their squad, Ronaldo emerged as their top-scorer at Euro 2020 with five goals.
Diogo Jota and Raphael Guerreiro scored one each, but the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Andre Silva and Joao Felix failed to find the back of the net.
This current Portuguese squad is arguably better than the one that won Euro 2016 as they have a mix of youth and experience. However, they failed to click produce the goods despite performing well at club level.
Also Read: Paul Merson's column - 5 surprise packages of Euro 2020 so far