The 2016 European Championship is gradually turning into a nightmare for Portugal skipper, Cristiano Ronaldo, following another disappointing display in the goalless draw against Austria on Saturday evening.
Fernando Santos’ side failed to win for the second successive game following their 1-1 draw with Iceland four days ago.
His side now faces an uphill task scaling through from Group G – with Hungary and Iceland better placed than the 2004 finalist.
Ronaldo, 31, came into the tournament on the back of a successful campaign in Europe with Real Madrid, where they clinched a record 11th UEFA Champions League title.
The former Manchester United man was expected to continue his rich vein of form that saw him notch over half a century goals last term.
He was even tipped to pip Sweden forward, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, to the landmark of first player to score in four consecutive Euro tourneys.
But that could well wait for a while as the Real superstar is yet to make any meaningful impact in France.
After failing to inspire his nation to victory against the smallest country at the event, Ronaldo took out his frustration at the Islanders.
“Iceland only tried to defend… they had two chances and then didn’t try to score,” the forward said.
“They celebrated like they’d won the Euro cup or something. That’s a small mentality. That’s why they’ll do nothing.”
But on a night the Real star finally became Portugal’s all-time most capped player having eclipsed Luis Figo’s 127 appearances, there was little to show.
Against an Austrian side that have gone 13 games without keeping a clean sheet at a major tournament, the onus was on Ronaldo to come good at the at Parc des Princes.
He had a relatively quiet half and was furious with himself after missing a great chance, meeting Nani’s cross from the left, letting the ball run across his body and side-footing the ball past the near post from eight yards.
As he operated in a wider position early in the second half, with Nani central, the Real Madrid legend sent a 25-yard left-footed drive towards goal, Robert Almer in goal saving .
From the following corner, the 31-year-old headed on target but it was straight at the ever-present goalkeeper once again.
But that was just the beginning of a frustrating night for Ronaldo. Things however moved from bad to worse when the star man was fouled in the area by Martin Hinteregger but surprisingly, missed the resulting spot-kick.
It was an unusual penalty from Ronaldo who dragged the ball wide from 12 yards, rattling the frame of the goal for his first miss in a major tournament since the 2006 World Cup.
But considering that the forward has now failed to convert four of his last five penalties for club and country, he could as well be pardoned.
“It was a goal to be the most-capped international player and to be the national team’s top scorer. But I’m a bit sad because this wasn’t the way I wanted to break this record,” Ronaldo admitted after the game.
“We wanted to win. This was not how I envisaged it. We had a lot of chances and we did well, but we weren’t able to finish. I also missed some chances – a penalty and some others.”
But his teammates might not be too bothered about his drought – considering their skipper – with 14 shots, has had more than any player at the tournament.
The forward with 91, also has more attempts on goal than any player in the history of the Euros, 39 more than second placed Thiery Henry.
“I think our moment will come, and it’s right in the next match,” fellow forward, Nani promised.
