Strange Cristiano Ronaldo Stat Emerges After Portugal’s Win Over Czech Republic

• Cristiano Ronaldo played the entire game as Portugal fought from a goal down to earn a deserved 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic
• The Portugal captain got the chance to hit the back of the net through a free kick but his effort was saved by keeper, Jindrich Stanek
• He has now made 29 free kick attempts in European Championships without scoring, a streak that dates back to his 2004 debut

A weird statistic about Cristiano Ronaldo has emerged after Portugal’s narrow 2-1 victory over Czechia at Euro 2024 on June 18.

The 2016 European champions secured their opening win of the tournament with a dramatic 92nd-minute goal from substitute, Francisco Conceicao.

Despite being tournament favourites, Portugal’s performance was less than convincing, initially trailing in the match.

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Lukas Provod had put Czechia ahead in the second half with a brilliant long-range strike. The Selecao managed to equalise in the 69th minute, thanks to an own goal by Robin Hranac.

Diogo Jota thought he had given Portugal the lead, but his header was ruled out for offside.

It wasn’t until Conceicao capitalised on a goalkeeper error in the dying moments that Portugal clinched the victory, per the BBC.

Ronaldo’s poor free kick record at the Euros

Ronaldo didn’t score, but he delivered a solid performance, showcasing moments of brilliance, including an impressive backheel pass that nearly resulted in an assist.

However, a strange statistic casts a shadow over his prowess in dead-ball situations.

After his attempt was saved by Jindrich Stanek, Ronaldo has now gone 29 free kick attempts in European Championships without scoring, dating back to his debut in 2004, per ESPN.

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The Real Madrid legend’s free kick effectiveness has waned since a knee injury in 2014 forced him to alter his renowned knuckleball technique.

Despite this decline, he has recently shown a resurgence in form at Al Nassr, highlighted by a beautiful free kick goal in the Saudi Pro League last season.

Ronaldo is Portugal’s weakest link

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Czech Republic legend, Karel Poborsky, has controversially stated that Ronaldo is among Portugal’s weakest players.

The 39-year-old, who made a historic sixth appearance at the Euros, started for the Selecao against Czechia in their opening Group F match on June 18.

Ronaldo entered the tournament in exceptional form with 44 goals in 45 games for Al-Nassr across all competitions, but Poborsky does not rate Ronaldo.