Cristiano Ronaldo could’ve made history as the first player to score in six different European Championships during Portugal’s 3-0 victory vs. Turkey on Saturday. Instead, he chose the selfless option to set up Bruno Fernandes.
With Portugal leading 2-0 early in the second half, Turkey’s defense broke down and Ronaldo was one-on-one with the goalkeeper. CR7 already has the title of first player to feature in six different Euros. He could now do the unimaginable and be the first player to score in six Euros.
The goal gaped in front of him. Then he laid it off to Fernandes for a tap-in to put the game to bed.
Cristiano Ronaldo assist vs Turkey
RONALDO WITH THE ASSIST TO BRUNO FERNANDES
Portugal makes it 3-0 pic.twitter.com/D8hS5IqdsH— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 22, 2024
Completely selfless from Ronaldo to dish it off to Bruno Fernandes here ❤️ pic.twitter.com/oCk8nUgylM
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 22, 2024
Nothing but class from Ronaldo. Ironically, that assist also set a record for him as that was his seventh assist at the Euros in his career.
7 - As well as being the highest goalscorer in UEFA European Championship history, Cristiano Ronaldo now also has the most assists (7) on record (since 1968) in the competition. Inevitable. #TURPOR #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/vu5JJxqhEU
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 22, 2024
Whether he’s scoring or assisting, Ronaldo always finds himself involved in the goalscoring process.
He holds the record for most goals in Euro history with 14. Álvaro Morata and Antoine Griezmann are the closest active players on the list to Ronaldo with seven goals each.
The 3-0 victory for Portugal secured a place in the knockout stages as they win their group with six points and a game to go against Georgia.
Bernardo Silva opened the scoring against Turkey in the 21st minute with a powerful finish inside the box.
Bernardo Silva
PORTUGAL TAKES THE LEAD pic.twitter.com/8460qIkANU— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 22, 2024
Portugal were in control of the game and then Turkey became their own worst enemy with perhaps the worst own goal of the Euros so far.
WHAT JUST HAPPENED!?!?!
PORTUGAL SOMEHOW DOUBLES ITS LEAD pic.twitter.com/SfL2EBfv1i— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 22, 2024
“Own goal” is on pace to win the Golden Boot of the Euros with six goals so far.