Cristiano Ronaldo has been brutally mocked for taking the ‘worst free-kick’ of his entire career during Portugal’s friendly with Israel.
The Juventus superstar made scoring from set pieces a trademark early in his career, but that seems to have changed.
Ronaldo still takes them for club and country and his effort in Wednesday’s 4-0 win caught everyone’s eye for the wrong reason.
He stepped up late in the first half and sent his effort flying high into the Jose Alvalade Stadium.
RONALDOOOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/RK5gjfVyoP
— #9 (@NineRole) June 9, 2021
A dejected Ronaldo walked away having failed to give his side the lead.
Portugal did manage to take the lead moments later through Bruno Fernandes and Ronaldo doubled their lead just before half-time.
But fans were keen to focus on the free-kick which could genuinely still be rising.
He shouldn’t be allowed to take free-kicks once the crowd returns. It’s too dangerous. The ball can literally hit anyone. 💀 https://t.co/K4D634f514
— Harvey (@LaPulga__10) June 10, 2021
This portuguese boxers model is always overhyped. What is this now!!😂😂😂 https://t.co/ksmWODK8Hb
— Some_Che Guevara (@BrianKipsome) June 10, 2021
They call Messi hitting the bar with a free kick a “disasterclass” so then what are they calling this? https://t.co/pYjqE4Bp80
— Did Penaldo ghost today? (@GhostPenaldo) June 10, 2021
He really needs to let go of the free kick duties now https://t.co/n8zBmON0NN
— Jimmy Cournoyer🇦🇴🇨🇻🇵🇹 (@Switch357) June 10, 2021
This guy should just stop. It’s not all about him. 😂😂😂@euro2021 @BBCSport @LiverpoolParks https://t.co/Gi0liR7C8y
— Say_it_as_it_is (@redissues1) June 9, 2021
Joao Cancelo added a third late on before Fernandes grabbed his second with a stunning strike that looked almost effortless in injury time.
Fernandes took one touch and smashed it into the top corner with goalkeeper Ofir Marciano left looking helpless.
‘Selecao’ manager Fernando Santos has a strong squad to choose from at Euro 2020 and reigning champions Portugal are among the favourites this summer.
However, they face France, Germany and Hungary in what’s widely being called the tournament’s ‘Group of Death’.
Santos spoke to RTP post-match and said he feels his team has much to improve ahead of their opener against Hungary on Tuesday.
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| Image Credit: PA |
He said: “In the second I changed things a little, I tried to put one more man next to Ronaldo and two midfielders coming in from the inside, but it didn’t work.
“We started to miss a lot of passes and the ball circulation was not so good. There are many things to improve, certainly.
“Now let’s rest and calmly prepare for the Euros. This team has a huge will and an excellent team spirit.”
Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports