- Cristiano Ronaldo mocked his opponents after Portugal’s 92nd-minute winner
- Fans have branded him ‘classless’ and ‘the worst sportsman’ for his behaviour
- LISTEN to It’s All Kicking Off! Just when will Cristiano Ronaldo decide to call it a day and retire?
Cristiano Ronaldo taunted Czechia’s goalkeeper and a midfielder as Portugal completed a 2-1 comeback win in their first game of Euro 2024.
The 39-year-old pumped his fist out towards goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek, who was crestfallen on the turf, and shouted something in the ear of midfielder Petr Sevcik.
His boastful celebration came after Francisco Conceicao thumped home the winner from close range in the 92md minute.
The stoppage-time winner atoned for a stodgy performance, with Portugal having needed an own-goal equaliser after Lukas Provod’s sumptuous striker.
Ronaldo clearly enjoyed the climatic moment from substitute Conceicao, giving him an almighty hug at full-time.
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated in the face of the Czechia goalkeeper after his side’s late winner
He also shouted something in the ear of midfielder Petr Sevcik while running past him
However, many viewers were unimpressed with his antics.
‘Classless,’ one summarised on X.
‘Doesn’t need to do that. Not the best look,’ wrote another.
‘Something you wouldn’t see Messi do against his opposition. That’s why Messi is the [GOAT emoji],’ said one, indicating that Lionel Messi is the ‘greatest of all time’.
Another said: ‘And this video demonstrates one of the reasons I just can’t warm to him! What was that celebration in the face of his opponents about?’
‘He is the worst sportsman,’ one commented.
Other viewers were more sympathetic towards Ronaldo’s burst of elation and attitude.
‘Was probably getting stick through the game,’ one thought.
Ronaldo embraced Francisco Conceicao after the game following his 92nd-minute winner
‘Player celebrates winning goal. Shocking,’ said another.
It was a frustrating night for Portugal, who struggled to synthesise their extraordinary range of attacking talent.
While they had 74 per cent possession and 19 shots, there were long periods where they failed to create any clear-cut opportunities.
The winning start sets them up nicely for matches against Turkey and Georgia, who will likely look to stymie them with resolute defending as well.
Even if they laboured to three points, it is better than how they started their triumphant 2016 campaign, when they drew 1-1 with Iceland.
They indeed had stalemates in all three group games, coming third behind Hungary and Iceland.
The 2024 edition marks Ronaldo’s sixth European Championship, having made his debut in the tournament in 2004.
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