Reuters
Paris, June 19: Cristiano Ronaldo missed a second-half penalty and had a late headed effort disallowed as Portugal’s future at Euro 2016 looked in jeopardy following a 0-0 draw against Austria in a wide open Group F Saturday.
Ronaldo won his 128th cap to break the record of Luis Figo, who was watching from the stands, but his landmark occasion turned into a night of torment for the Real Madrid luminary.
He fired his 79th minute spot kick against the post — the fourth penalty he has missed in his last five for club and country having already squandered several chances in an entertaining game at the Parc des Princes.
Ronaldo then thought he had made amends in the 85th minute by grabbing the winner with a header but it was ruled out for offside. He has had 20 shots so far in the tournament, more than nine entire teams have managed, but has still to score.
Hailed as potentially tough opponents after an impressive qualifying campaign, Austria, ranked 10th in the world, again failed to live up to expectations after a 2-0 defeat by Hungary in their opener.
Hungary top the group with four points after earlier snatching a 1-1 draw against Iceland, who are level with Portugal on two points and ahead of Austria on one.
Portugal, who were knocked out in the first round at the 2014 World Cup, face a tense final match against Hungary while Austria will play Iceland Wednesday.
Portugal came closer seven minutes later when Nani’s header hit the woodwork. Stefan Ilsanker bossed the Austria midfield, breaking up several Portugal attacks and orchestrating play for his team mates as David Alaba appeared to be having an off night.
Ilsanker provided Austria with their first shot on target early in the second half with a powerful low drive that was tipped away by Rui Patricio. Ronaldo was then denied twice in quick succession, Almer parrying away a shot from 20 metres and a header to keep his team afloat as Portugal stepped up the pressure.
Ronaldo had the perfect chance to snatch the points for Portugal after being fouled by Martin Hinteregger but his penalty struck Almer’s right-hand post and six minutes later he was given offside after planting a precise header into the net.
After his wretched night, Ronaldo, much criticised already at the tournament for a lack of humility after his dismissive comments about Iceland’s tactics in their previous match, demonstrated a dignified side. When a fan stepped onto the pitch at the final whistle, Ronaldo asked a couple of stewards to let the intruder take a selfie with him. For one moment, he got something right.
Ronaldo targeted for missing penalty
Agence France-Presse
Paris, June 19: There was relief for Austria and joy for those who like to see superstars cut down to size after Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty and a chance to go into the European Championship record books Saturday.
The game ended goalless, Austrian fans were chanting ‘Messi, Messi’ and Ronaldo was already the talk of the Twitter sphere when he started to walk off clearly frustrated.
Austria coach Marcel Koller was relieved and delighted. “Ronaldo made chances. You have to be 100 percent against a player like him with the creativity that we all know he has,” declared Koller.
Analysis of Ronaldo’s record was intense. The striker has now missed 19 out of 110 career penalties, including in shootouts, according to renowned Spanish football statistician Mr Chip. He pointed out however that Argentine rival Lionel Messi has missed the same number from 87 penalties taken.
Other observers twisted the knife a little. Former England captain Gary Lineker said on Twitter: “Ronaldo: no goals from 36 free kicks in major tournaments.”
Wales forward Gareth Bale has scored two brilliant free kicks at Euro 2016. Ronaldo got into trouble last week when he said that Iceland, after they doggedly held Portugal to a 1-1 draw, had a ‘small mentality’ because of their defensive tactics.
This time he did get a lot of praise on social media for patiently waiting with the fan to take the selfie. British sports journalist Ewan Murray said on Twitter: “So Ronaldo is arrogant, says the odd daft thing… he is also a key reason millions of kids the world over are attracted to football.”