It may have taken him three games and 24 shots but finally the hero Portugal craved has arrived. And just in time.
The Real Madrid man has evolved into a predatory poacher and he proved as much by dragging his jittery nation through to the last-16.
He reprised his role as the frustrated figure when Hungary led but then played the part of provider with a sublime assist for Nani’s equaliser.
Ronaldo's Stats
- 17 - appearances at the Euros finals is now a record.
- 04 - different European Championships scored in, the only man to reach such a feat.
- 08 - goals in the Euros is second only to Michel Platini’s nine.
- 03 - straight games Ronaldo has registered 10 shots.
A chaotic defence conceded again but the self-anointed world’s best lived up to that billing with his first of this Euros, a beautiful back-heeled finish.
After falling behind for a third time, his powerful header dragged his team from the brink of an exit.