Now, he is well into his victory lap. "Your happiness is our happiness, captain," was Sport TV's caption to a reel of his best bits from last week's 3-0 friendly win over the Republic of Ireland. In previous tournaments, Ronaldo's every micro-move was replete with nuance, potentially a gamechanger, but there is now less of a daily soap opera feel around the team. "I see quite a calm team, I don't see anyone anxious," Ronaldo told reporters on the squad's arrival at their Euro 2024 base in Germany.
That calm was not extended to Portugal's first public training session on German soil. For the workout at Gütersloh's Heidewaldstadion on Friday 8,200 fans turned up, tickets were reputedly changing hands for up to €1,000 (£850) and, inevitably, Ronaldo was hugged and jostled by a series of pitch invaders. There has been a circus-like aspect to Portugal at major tournaments. Regardless of the residual elite quality of the squad, the periods before, during and after Cristiano will be eras of starkly different shades.
Denne historien er fra June 18, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.
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Denne historien er fra June 18, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.
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Amorim asks for survival mode after Wolves loss
Ruben Amorim said Manchester United must adopt survival mode to end their miserable run after a fourth defeat in five Premier League matches dropped them to 14th, eight points above the relegation zone.
'We have to try' Guardiola calls for January signings after Everton draw
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Arteta backs Martinelli to step up after Saka injury
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Wilson and Muniz pounce late to cast doubt on Chelsea's title credentials
Perhaps there will be some debate around Fulham's equaliser after 82 minutes of this 2-1 derby win for Marco Silva's team at Stamford Bridge.
Jones and Salah clear path at the top for Liverpool
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Tonali helps Newcastle ease past 10-man Villa
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Elanga takes Forest third and deepens Postecoglou's pain
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Haaland's wasted spot-kick adds to Guardiola's gloom
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Fabianski carried off but Bowen edges out Juric's new Saints
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'Rubbish game' but Guéhi content with valuable point
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