Cristiano Ronaldo branded as ‘classless’ by fans after TAUNTING Czechia’s goalkeeper and a midfielder… as Portugal score last-gasp winner to kickstart Euro 2024 campaign
- Cristiano Ronaldo mocked his opponents after Portugal’s 92nd minute winner
- Fans have labeled him ‘classless’ and ‘the worst sportsman’ due to his behavior
- Listen to It all starts! When will Cristiano Ronaldo decide to end it all and retire?
Cristiano Ronaldo taunted the Czech goalkeeper and a midfielder as Portugal recorded a 2-1 comeback win in their first match of Euro 2024.
The 39-year-old raised his fist towards goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek, who stood dejected on the turf, and shouted something into midfielder Petr Sevcik’s ear.
His boastful celebration came after Francisco Conceicao struck home the winner from close range in the 92nd minute.
The injury-time winner made do with a lackluster performance, with Portugal needing an own-goal equalizer after Lukas Provod’s lush striker.
Ronaldo clearly enjoyed substitute Conceicao’s climactic moment and gave him a big hug at full-time.
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated in the face of the Czech goalkeeper after his team’s late winner
He also shouted something into midfielder Petr Sevcik’s ear as he ran past him
However, many viewers were unimpressed by his antics.
“Classless,” someone summed up on X.
‘That’s not necessary. Not the best look,” wrote another.
‘Something you wouldn’t see Messi do against his opponents. That’s why Messi is the [GOAT emoji]one said, indicating that Lionel Messi is the “greatest of all time.”
Another said: ‘And this video shows one of the reasons why I just can’t get it warm! What was that celebration in front of his opponents about?’
“He’s the worst sportsman,” someone commented.
Other viewers were more sympathetic to Ronaldo’s outburst of elation and attitude.
“I probably got through the game,” one thought.
Ronaldo hugged Francisco Conceicao post-match after his 92nd-minute winner
‘Player celebrates winning goal. Shocking,” said another.
It was a frustrating evening for Portugal, who struggled to synthesize their extraordinary attacking talent.
Although they had 74 percent possession and 19 shots, there were long periods when they failed to create clear chances.
The winning start prepares them well for matches against Turkey and Georgia, who will probably also want to thwart them with resolute defending.
Even though they worked to three points, it is better than how they started their triumphant 2016 season, when they drew 1-1 with Iceland.
Indeed, they had a stalemate in all three group matches, finishing third behind Hungary and Iceland.
The 2024 edition marks Ronaldo’s sixth European Championship, having made his debut in the tournament in 2004.