End of an Era: Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo fails to find the net in group stage for the first time
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Cristiano Ronaldo has failed to score in the group stage of an international competition for the first time in his career.

End of an Era: Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo fails to find the net in group stage for the first time

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 14:50 - 27.06.2024

Cristian Ronaldo's run of scoring in the group stages of international competitions has ended at the EURO 2024.

Cristiano Ronaldo's remarkable scoring run in the group stages of major international competitions finally ended at EURO 2024.

The 39-year-old Al Nassr star, who has been a consistent goal-scoring machine for Portugal over the years, failed to find the back of the net in his team's final group stage match against tournament debutants Georgia on Wednesday night.

Ronaldo fails at EURO 2024

His goal-scoring streak in the group stages of international tournaments dates back to EURO 2004, where he had found the net in all ten previous group stage matches he had played in.

This remarkable run includes the European Championships (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020) and the World Cup (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022).

Ronaldo shakes Georgia star Kvicha Kvaratskhelia during the game between Georgia and Portugal
Ronaldo shakes Georgia star Kvicha Kvaratskhelia during the game between Georgia and Portugal | Getty Images

However, against a resolute and disciplined Georgian defence, Ronaldo was effectively caged from start to finish, unable to add to his impressive tally of group stage goals.

The defeat marked a disappointing end to Portugal's group stage campaign, as they were stunned 2-0 by the tournament debutants, who secured a historic place in the quarter-finals of EURO 2024.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo is yet to get off the mark at the EURO 2024.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo is yet to get off the mark at the EURO 2024. | Imago

While Ronaldo and his teammates will be eager to bounce back in the knockout stages, the end of his remarkable goal-scoring streak in the group phase of international competitions will undoubtedly be a personal setback for the legendary forward.

Ronaldo and Portugal will now turn their attention to the next round as the focus will shift to how the team can regroup and mount a strong challenge to capture the European Championship title, despite this unexpected setback in the group stage.

Cristiano Ronaldo had the chance to score against Turkiye but preferred to set up Bruno Fernandes instead.
Cristiano Ronaldo had the chance to score against Turkiye but preferred to set up Bruno Fernandes instead. (Photo Credit: UEFA)

But first, they will have to ensure the shock result against Georgia won’t repeat itself when they face another tricky side, Slovenia, next in the quarters.

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