Cristiano Ronaldo performs in file sixth European Championship

Cristiano Ronaldo has change into the primary participant to seem in six European Championships as Portugal scored a late aim to start out their 2024 event with a 2-1 win over Czechia on Tuesday.

Ronaldo, 39, who was stored off the scoresheet, is trying to reclaim the title that Portugal gained in 2016, after they beat host nation France 1-0 for his or her first European trophy.

Substitute Francisco Conceição scored in stoppage time to offer Roberto Martinez’s aspect the win.

Ronaldo was predictably on the centre of most of Portugal’s assaults, passing up their finest likelihood of the primary half when he was performed via on aim by Bruno Fernandes solely to be thwarted by keeper Jindrich Stanek who unfold himself brilliantly to cease the striker’s effort.

Ronaldo had one other shot crushed away by Stanek simply earlier than the break and a header deflected over shortly after the restart.

First showing in Portugal’s squad in 2004, Ronaldo made his Euro debut on residence soil, scoring his first aim within the event towards Czechia. Now, 20 years later, Portugal confronted the identical crew of their opening match of Ronaldo’s sixth championship.

“At present begins one other chapter in our historical past. I fondly bear in mind my first day with the nationwide crew, a journey stuffed with challenges and victories. Now, I’ve the distinction of being alongside a crew of champions, stuffed with expertise and dedication,” Ronaldo stated in a submit on X.

“With everybody’s energy and help, we flip goals into actuality. Let’s, collectively, struggle for one more triumph. United, we’re unstoppable. Go Portugal!”

Since his 2004 debut, Ronaldo has featured in each subsequent Portugal crew — 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020 (performed in 2021 due to COVID-19) and now 2024.

With 14 Euros targets, Ronaldo holds the file for probably the most targets by any participant within the historical past of the competitors, along with his private file being 5 targets in a single marketing campaign within the 2020 version.

Additionally on Tuesday, Portugal centre-back Pepe grew to become the oldest participant in European Championship historical past at 41 years and 113 days.

Pepe beats the earlier file held by former Hungary goalkeeper Gábor Király, who was 40 years and 86 days previous when he performed of their Euro 2016 round-of-16 defeat by Belgium.

Regardless of Portugal’s star-studded attacking lineup, which incorporates abilities corresponding to João Félix, Gonçalo Ramos and Rafael Leão, Ronaldo stays the crew’s most prolific striker and can captain the aspect for the event.

Portugal may even face Georgia and Turkey in Group F.

Info from The Related Press was used on this story.