Football fans experienced a déjà vu moment as Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo set an early record in Euro 2024. Having played in every edition of the tournament since 2004, Ronaldo is now set to feature in his seventh consecutive Euro tournament. The 2024 edition marks the 37-year-old's record-breaking appearance, as he lines up for Portugal in their opening game against Czechia.
Cristiano Ronaldo Sets Record in Euro 2024
Football fans witnessed history in the making as Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to feature in seven consecutive UEFA Euro tournaments. The Portuguese superstar, who has graced the tournament since 2004, made his record-breaking appearance in Portugal's opening match against the Czech Republic.
Ronaldo, now 37 years old, has been an integral part of the Portuguese national team for over two decades. He has led his country to victory in the 2016 Euro and the 2019 UEFA Nations League. His unparalleled consistency and longevity have made him one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Background
The UEFA European Championship, commonly known as the Euro, is a quadrennial international football competition contested by the national teams of the member associations of UEFA. It was first held in 1960 and has since grown into one of the most prestigious football tournaments in the world.
Ronaldo made his international debut for Portugal in 2003. He scored his first goal at Euro 2004, which Portugal hosted. Despite a disappointing exit in the final, Ronaldo emerged as a rising star.
Record-Breaking Appearance
In Euro 2024, Ronaldo surpassed Czech Republic legend Karel Poborský, who previously held the record for most appearances in the tournament with six. Poborský played in every Euro from 1996 to 2008.
Ronaldo's appearance against the Czech Republic also marked his 196th cap for Portugal. He is now only five caps away from becoming the most capped male international player, a record currently held by Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa.
Significance
Ronaldo's record-breaking achievement is a testament to his exceptional longevity and enduring quality. He has remained at the top of his game for over two decades and continues to inspire generations of football fans. His appearance in Euro 2024 is a reminder of his greatness and the indelible mark he has left on the sport.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q: How many goals has Ronaldo scored at the Euro? A: Ronaldo has scored 14 goals in the Euro, making him the all-time top scorer in the tournament.
Q: Which team has won the most Euro titles? A: Germany and Spain have won the Euro three times each.
Q: When is the next Euro tournament? A: The next Euro tournament, Euro 2028, will be held in England.
Q: Who is the current reigning Euro champion? A: Italy is the current reigning Euro champion, having won the tournament in 2021.
Q: Is Ronaldo still playing for Manchester United? A: As of the current information, Cristiano Ronaldo is no longer playing for Manchester United. His contract with the club was terminated in November 2022.
The second day of the first Test between South Africa and Bangladesh saw a dominant performance by the Proteas, led by Kyle Verreynne's century. Despite a few hiccups, South Africa ended the day with the first-innings advantage, thanks to Verreynne and Dane Piedt's strong stand. Bangladeshi batsmen struggled against the South African bowlers, but Mahmudul Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim's partnership brought stability to their team before the close of the day.
Mumbai's selection panel has dropped Prithvi Shaw from their team for the Ranji Trophy game against Tripura due to his lack of attendance at practice sessions and being overweight. The 24-year-old, who scored a hundred in his debut Test against West Indies, has faced off-field issues and injuries that have hindered his career progress. Former Australia player Ricky Ponting, who worked with Shaw at Delhi Capitals, also spoke about the batter's problems. Shaw's attitude and weight issues seem to have cost him potential spots in both domestic and national teams.
The eleventh season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL 11) is underway and the excitement is palpable. With all the teams playing their opening games and no draws yet, the competition is fiercer than ever. After securing a hard-fought win against Bengal Warriors, the Jaipur Pink Panthers will face off against Telugu Titans, who have a mixed record so far. The Pink Panthers will look to continue their momentum, while the Titans will aim for a comeback after a loss to Tamil Thalaivas. With a history of close matches between the two teams, this is definitely not one to miss.
The former Australian opener, who announced his retirement earlier this year, has expressed his willingness to return to the national team for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. With Australia needing a strong start in the series, Warner's availability could prove to be a game changer. The 37-year-old pointed out that he has had a similar preparation as the other players and will use his time in the Sheffield Shield to regain his form and fitness.
Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich is set to face his former coach, Hansi Flick, when his current team takes on FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League. With his contract expiring soon, Kimmich has been linked to the Catalan giants for over a year. The player himself has admitted that this match will be special for him, not only because of his potential transfer, but also due to the reunion with Flick, who played a pivotal role in his growth as a versatile player. Kimmich also compared his former teammate, Robert Lewandowski, with his current teammate, Harry Kane, highlighting the different styles they bring to their respective teams.
After suffering their first defeat of the season to Bournemouth, Arsenal are gearing up to face Shakhtar Donetsk in the newly revamped Champions League League Phase. The Gunners may be without Bukayo Saka due to a hamstring injury, while captain Martin Ødegaard is also currently unfit. As both teams fight for a top spot in the league, fans can catch the match for free.
Bangladesh is fighting to save the first Test against South Africa as they reached 101-3 at stumps, still needing 101 runs to avoid an innings defeat. Mahmudul Hasan Joy (38) and Mushfiqur Rahim (31) showed resilience and remained unbeaten at the end of play, with their 42-run stand for the fourth wicket. Additionally, Mushfiqur became the first Bangladeshi to cross 6,000 career Test runs. South Africa's Kyle Verreynne's century helped the visitors secure a 202-run lead with a total of 308 in their first innings.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) in England has proposed a non-contact version of rugby to be introduced in schools as a way to tackle declining youth participation and concerns over head injuries. An independent review found that many schools with strong rugby traditions are no longer playing the sport due to safety concerns. This move aims to make the game more accessible and inclusive, while still retaining traditional elements such as line-outs and scrums. The RFU also plans to continue offering full-contact rugby for older players.
Glasgow, Scotland has been selected to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, bringing the multi-sport event back to their city after a successful 2014 run. With a focus on accessibility and showcasing top athletes, Glasgow 2026 will feature a compact programme of 10 sports across four venues. The event is expected to bring in over £100 million in investment and is set to have a unique branding that highlights the Commonwealth Games' role in the larger Commonwealth Sport Movement.
Central Coast Mariners are looking to turn around their underwhelming start in the AFC Champions League as they face off against Shanghai Port, managed by former A-League title winner, Kevin Muscat. With both teams desperate for a win, the stakes are high as Mariners coach, Mark Jackson, remains confident after their recent A-League draw against Melbourne Victory. However, Port will be looking to bounce back after a costly defeat in the Chinese Super League, slipping to second place in the standings.