Football News Update: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Free-Kick Struggles and Penalty Woes
Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese forward, may have cemented his place in football history as the inventor of the iconic “knuckleball” free-kick technique. However, the statistics tell a different story when it comes to his prowess from dead-ball situations.
Recent Data Reveals Ronaldo’s Free-Kick Struggles
Recent data reveals that the 39-year-old superstar has struggled to consistently find the back of the net from direct free-kicks. In his 22-year professional career, Ronaldo has scored just 52 direct free-kicks for his five clubs, which averages out to 2.36 per year.
“The struggles are even more pronounced on the international stage, where Ronaldo has attempted a staggering 60 free-kicks in major tournaments, managing to score only one, which came in Portugal’s 3-3 draw with Spain in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.”
Despite his status as one of the greatest players of all time, Ronaldo’s free-kick abilities have been called into question, particularly when wearing the Portugal jersey. Fans and pundits alike have often wondered why the national team continues to entrust him with the responsibility of taking set-pieces.
Ronaldo’s Penalty Woes
Ronaldo’s penalty-taking ability has also come under scrutiny recently. In Portugal’s recent Euro 2024 qualification match against Slovenia, the national team captain missed a crucial spot-kick in extra time, which would have won the game for his side. However, he was able to redeem himself by converting his penalty during the shootout, which ultimately secured Portugal’s progression to the quarterfinals.
As the football world gears up for the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament, the spotlight will undoubtedly continue to shine on Cristiano Ronaldo and his ability to deliver for his national team in high-pressure situations. With the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the Women’s World Cup also on the horizon, football enthusiasts will be keen to see if the veteran striker can overcome his free-kick and penalty struggles and continue to perform at the highest level.
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