Ronaldo goalless run continues in last 7 international games in big tournaments

Portugal may have topped Group F at Euro 2024 but Roberto Martínez will still want more from his side when they meet Slovenia for their last-16 clash on Monday in Frankfurt.

The Seleção breezed through their qualifying pool as group winners, defeating Czech Republic 2-1 and Turkey 3-0 before a concerning slump on Matchday 3 against Georgia.

Since pipping France to the Euro 2016 title in extra-time, Portugal have lost three of their four games in the knockout stages at major tournaments (W1).

That concerning record and the woeful returns of star striker Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Martínez with considerations to ponder. Indeed, Ronaldo hasn’t scored in any of his last seven appearances for Portugal at major tournaments, his longest such drought across the European Championship and World Cup.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has had 19 shots across the two competitions since last scoring against Ghana at the 2022 World Cup, so Ronaldo can hardly blame the service received from his Portuguese teammates.

This UEFA tournament in Germany has already thrown up numerous surprises heading into the knockout rounds, no more so than Georgia’s 2-0 victory over Portugal on Wednesday. Georges Mikautadze teed up Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s early opener before himself coolly converting from the penalty spot in the second half at Arena AufSchalke.

That victory marked Georgia’s first-ever win at a major tournament and a maiden place in the knockout stages for Willy Sagnol’s men, while ending Portugal’s 12-match winning streak in competitive action.

Martínez will still be confident, however, as Portugal haven’t lost back-to-back competitive games since Euro 2008 when a 2-0 group-stage defeat to Switzerland followed a 3-2 quarter-final loss against Germany. Portugal also currently hold the record for the biggest margin of victory in a round-of-16 game at a major tournament, hammering Switzerland 6-1 at the FIFA World Cup in 2022. Yet their knockout form has been on a downward spiral.

Vitinha has been one of those teammates to catch the eye, completing more line-breaking passes (29) than any other Portugal player at this tournament. His pass completion rate under high pressure is also the best of any player for his country (90% – min. 50 attempted).

Slovenia coach Matjaž Kek will likely task Adam Gnezda Cerin with stopping the creative Vitinha on Monday. The midfielder made more high-intensity pressures (196) than any other player in the group stage, while only Georgia’s Giorgi Kochorashvili (161) made more specifically in the defensive half than Gnezda Cerin (148).

Another resolute defensive showing can be expected in Frankfurt, too, as Slovenia have averaged just 32% of the ball so far in this competition. Only two sides have previously progressed to the Euros knockouts with a lower possession percentage; Iceland in 2016 (29%) and Sweden four years later (30%).

Though Kek may rely on Gnezda Cerin and his resilient defence further back, Slovenia need more from their forward pair. Andraz Sporar and Benjamin Sesko started all three Group C games as a duo up top, although they’re yet to score from a combined 12 shots between them (seven by Sporar and five by Sesko).

Whether that pair can deliver will have a large say on the outcome of Slovenia’s first-ever match in the knockout stages at a major tournament. By contrast, this will be Portugal’s 26th such match, and one many expect them to triumph in.