CR7: 'ill' Capitano?

Cristiano Ronaldo: Visibly Distraught

When Fabregas’ low spot kick pinballed its way past the goal line, the entire stadium erupted in cheers. There was the usual raucous celebration almost always associated with the supporters of the winning side. There were also glimpses of the forlorn looks on the faces of Portuguese fans, who had travelled to Ukraine with a lot of hope in their hearts. Sadly, the Euro Final was not meant to be.

Portugal’s entire tournament has been almost entirely centered on one C. Ronaldo. Pre and post match panels alike have spent a large percentage of available minutes either lamenting Ronaldo’s poor performances for the nation, or generously showering him with praise when goals have finally come his way.

Fabio Coentrao’s amazing performances, although certainly not unnoticed, have taken a backseat to the phenomenon that is Ronaldo. Pepe’s surprisingly mature and neat displays of defending have been lauded, but only so much. Silvestre Varela, whose goal kept Portugal in the tournament, was worth just a number of highlights (from different angles) and a few words of praise. Indeed, the Neo Sports commentator was distinctly heard saying, ‘He will never score a better goal’. How can you say that?

All this could have been ignored, had it not been for the one lasting image of yesterday’s match. After rattling the crossbar, when Bruno Alves dejectedly walked back to his team, aware of what had just transpired, the camera showed Ronaldo’s face for one second. That one second said it all.

As his forlorn teammates stood around him, some on their knees, some unable to hide their tears, Ronaldo stood there, face upwards, anger etched on every line. This is the captain of the team, their hero, the one person the entire team looks up to. And what does he do? Instead of getting into a group hug and telling his men that they had done themselves proud, he stood on the side, aloof and bitter.

G Neville: The stuff true captains are made of.

A true captain should have gone up to Bruno Alves and said, “Hey, it’s okay, you’ve done well!”

The player had missed a penalty, and the team had been eliminated from the competition because of it. Surely he needed his captain encouraging him? Isn’t that what Gary Neville did for Cristiano when he was at Manchester United?

Granted, Cristiano did go on and applaud his team for their individual and collective efforts. But those were just words, for actions, as we all know…

True captains are in it for the team, not just themselves. Cristiano might be a phenomenal footballer. He is as hard working as he is gifted. His records and victories are thoroughly deserved. But is he a captain? Until he realises there are bigger things than personal milestones, Ronaldo should not be wearing that captain’s armband. Not yet, anyway.