#1 The best is at his best
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Is it mere coincidence that Selecção das Quinas never won an international trophy with ‘Black Panther’ Eusebio. Nor did it happen under the Luis Figo led Golden generation, that had names like Rui Costa, Deco and Fernando Couto amongst their rank. Rather it happened under the leadership of the supercilious Cristiano Ronaldo who many feel is guilty of considering himself the greatest footballer of all time.
Perhaps a glance at the last two years of his footballing career could make half of the world believe that he might actually be what he thinks he is. Since May of 2016, Ronaldo won the Ballon d’Or and the Champions League (twice), while top scoring in it for the fifth consecutive season. He also smashed Jimmy Greaves’ record of 366 goals across Europe’s top five leagues, among a host of other achievements.
But the one that he cherishes the most, is Portugal's Euro 2016 victory. A victory that added his name in history books alongside legends like Beckenbauer, Platini, Van Basten and Zidane.
What followed is, even more, hunger. Hunger to achieve more for his country. Ronaldo, who ended an eventful season in the best way possible, could have easily asked for some rest during this period. Instead, he is willing to put his body on the line, knowing that an injury at this stage of his career can cause fatal damage. Why? To fulfil his hunger! Hunger to prove each and every person that has ever watched him play that he is what he considers himself.
The Ronaldo that leads Portugal in Confed Cup isn’t the fastest, nor does he possess his jaw-dropping dribbling skills. But he has now turned into a predator, who could turn the game on his own with some vital goals at crucial moments. Calling his form remarkable would be an understatement. All one could say is if Ronaldo could replicate this form on the pitches of Russia, Portugal are practically unstoppable.
