Cristiano Ronaldo has scored extremely low number of goals in knockouts for Portugal despite taking 93 shots as alarming stat emerges
As per a shocking stat, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored just thrice from a whopping 93 shots across the FIFA World Cup and EURO knockout games. The Portuguese star failed to score in EURO 2024 altogether, where his side crashed out in the quarter-finals following a 5-3 shootout defeat to France after 120 goalless minutes.
Ronaldo hasn’t scored in the EURO knockouts since 2016, when he scored against Wales in the semi-final. The forward had a golden chance to end the drought when Portugal got a penalty against Slovenia in the Round of 16 this year. However, the forward had his effort saved by Jan Oblak but redeemed himself by scoring in the ensuing shootout, which A Selecao won 3-0.
However, goals scored in shootouts don’t count, so his knockout drought continues. His goals in major tournament knockouts have come against Wales (Euro 2016), the Netherlands (Euro 2004) and the Czech Republic (Euro 2012).
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo told to step back
Roy Keane has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to step back from the national team after their Euro 2024 exit. He believes the forward needs to think about the other players and give them the chance to break into the team.
Keane said on the Stick to Football podcast:
“He should have a break and step back from international football, and if he’s still playing at club level, then have a look at the World Cup when it comes around.
“We look at (Harry) Kane when Kane’s quite off it, and your main goal scorers not at it, you’re playing with ten men. When you’re playing at the highest level, you really can’t carry anybody. His movement is still there – against France, brilliant.”
He continued:
“He can carry on playing, but just not international football. How many footballers do we know that have stopped playing international football at a younger age and obviously carried on having a club career.
“Part of your decision making (when you’re coming to the end of your career) is to step back to let other players learn. You could be holding people back and that’s not good for the bigger picture (of the team),” he added.
