Legendary Portugal and Al-Nassr striker Cristiano Ronaldo set an unfortunate record during his team’s UEFA Euro match against Georgia, failing to score in the group stage of a major international competition for the first time in his career.
In a surprising turn, Georgia defeated Portugal 2-0 in their Euro 2024 game on Wednesday night, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze scoring for Georgia. During the game, Ronaldo was booked for dissent, as reported by Goal.com.
Despite the loss, Portugal remains at the top of Group F with two wins and one loss and is scheduled to play Slovenia in the round of 16 on July 1. Ronaldo’s only direct goal contribution in the group stage was an assist to Bruno Fernandes in a 3-0 win over Turkey in their second game.
This tournament marks Ronaldo’s 10th major international competition with Portugal, and it is the first time he has not scored in the group stage. The 39-year-old has not scored a non-penalty goal in his last 10 matches at major international competitions.
Ronaldo, the top scorer in the history of the Euro competition with 14 goals, has added another record to his list during the game against Georgia by making his 50th appearance for Portugal at major international competitions. This includes 22 appearances at the FIFA World Cup and 28 in the European Championship.
It was also his 210th appearance for Portugal, where he is the all-time top goal-scorer with 130 goals.
Teams advancing to the round of 16, starting from June 29 with a match between Switzerland and Italy, include Spain, Georgia, Denmark, Germany, Portugal, Slovenia, France, Belgium, Romania, Netherlands, Australia, Turkey, England, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Italy.
The Euros are being held from June 14 to July 14 in Germany, with Italy defending their title and Portugal aiming for their second title, having won their first in 2016.