20 most important goals in Cristiano Ronaldo's career

#17 Euro 2004 semi-final victory against the Netherlands

Ronaldo got used to scoring on big stages as a youngster and would carry that habit into the latter stages of his career

Among many other things, superb headed goals would become one of the things we expect from Cristiano Ronaldo. Even earlier in his career, he was no slouch in the air. In his first major tournament with Portugal, Euro 2004, Ronaldo scored the opening goal in a 2-1 win over the Netherlands to take his team to the final.

The game is remembered for Maniche's superb strike from range but it was Ronaldo who set them on the path by beating his marker to open the scoring on the day. Portugal would eventually lose to an inspired Greece in the finals but it was a day to remember for the Portuguese.

Ronaldo, who a youngster back then, was already starting to make waves in the national team set-up and contribute in meaningful ways for his national team.