Forget the penalties because penalties will be missed as they will be scored. Usually, he scores them, but this time missed one, and then he scored one. And there was all that sobbing but let’s start with the free-kicks.

Nobody is scoring direct from free-kicks these days. Of 94 goals at Euro 2024, none have been scored directly from a free-kick and only one was scored at the last Euros in 2021, and yet Cristiano Ronaldo has unyielding faith that his magical powers will prevail.

They tried that at the World Cup in Qatar, though. It started in exhilarating style with a hat-trick by his replacement Goncalo Ramos and a 6-1 win against Switzerland but the plan collapsed as Ronaldoless Portugal lost to Morocco in the next round.

Ronaldo is a footballer beyond anything produced in England during the game’s modern era. Not only the numbers but the artistry of the goals and the ability to influence and single-handedly alter the direction of games at elite level. Look at the longevity.

He appears desperate to remain relevant to his team and his country. Desperate to answer those who think he endures on reputation alone and yes, desperate to enhance his personal legend by becoming the first to score in six Euros.