6.26.2012

Ronaldo: Scoring in every international tournament since 2004

Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals against the Netherlands and another against the Czech Republic, becaming the only player to score in all major international tournaments held since 2004: three Euros (2004, 2008, 2012) and two World Cups (2006, 2010).

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating his goal against Czech Republic at Euro 2012
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating his goal against Czech Republic

Cristiano played his first Euro in 2004 when he was only 19 years old and scored in the inaugural match against Greece and in the semifinals clash with the Netherlands. Portugal got the second place in the championship after loosing against Greece in the final.

He went on to score one of Portugal's goals in the 2006 World Cup group stage against Iran and another in the 2008 Euro against the Czech Republic. He then sealed Portugal's 7-0 pour over North Korea in the 2010 World Cup.

Being only 27 years old gives Cristiano a good chance to overtake Germany's Klinsman, who scored in six straight Euros and World Cups. Ronaldo has currently tallied 67 strikes this season (60 with Real Madrid and seven with Portugal) and is currently his national team's third all-time top scorer.

Now his next target is to be the top scorer of the Euro 2012 tournament. At this time, there is a four-way tie in the race for the Golden Boot trophy following the conclusion of the quarter-finals on Sunday.

Croatia's Mario Mandzukic and Alan Dzagoev of Russia were among the early contenders for the top scorers' crown after finding the net three times apiece in their teams' opening two fixtures. Neither country made it out of the group stage, however, forcing Mandžukić and Dzagoev to settle for their lot.

Though they remain at the head of the pile, there are two players with the same tally who look to be in ominous form. Mario Gomez, who scored 26 Bundesliga goals for Bayern München this term, also struck three times in Germany's first two fixtures against Portugal and the Netherlands. He is yet to add to that tally, though, having only featured for ten minutes of the quarter-final win against Greece.

Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, scorer of 40 Liga goals for Real Madrid CF in 2011/12, was far slower out of the blocks but now looks to have hit his stride. He was phenomenal in the 2-1 matchday three victory against the Dutch, scoring both goals, and also struck the winner as Paulo Bento's men defeated the Czech Republic to move into the last four.

The Spain trio of Xabi Alonso, Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas are the only players on two goals who are still involved in the tournament. The race is on.

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