Its the second leg and everything is on the line at the Monumental
You know youve had a bad game when the most entertaining thing you do is avoid getting kissed on the lips by a crazy fan. Portugal, reigning Euro 2016 champs and a possible contender at this summers World Cup, got destroyed 3-0 by a better-than-expected Netherlands team on Monday in an international friendly. It was a frustrating day for Ronaldo, as he tried to show off some moves but failed, completely and comically screwed up a great shot and then insulted the referee, and then got a smooch. Heres Ronaldos day
Meanwhile, the Dutch who most assumed aint much, put together a nice showing and turned back the clock with Ryan Babel getting a goal. Memphis Depay scored the opener, and Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk scored the last goal, and it was a lovely strike from the defender.
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Ronaldo also messed up a skill move he had no business doing at midfield and was then substituted off.
First, the kiss, which looked headed for the lips until Ronaldo did the turn. It came with Portugal already down 3-0:
It was a convincing performance by the hosts, who sent a statement with this result
Here he is diving early on and then telling the ref to … well, you can read his lips:
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Though it is just a friendly, this feels kind of like Portugal entering Euro 2016, which they didnt truly deserve to win in my book. It was always Ronaldo, some other nice pieces and a team that really couldnt gel. Dont forget, Portugal didnt win any of its first five matches at Euro 2016 in regulation, drew all three group stage games and got through to the knockout stage as a third-place team.
Virgil van Dijk makes it 3-0 forNetherlandsjust before half-time, capitalizing on terriblePortugaldefending. Depay swung in the free kick, De Ligt headed it back, and an unmarked van Dijk smashed in a half-volley.
The two London squads meet in a battle of No. 3 vs. No. 4
This was not a match to remember for the Euro 2016 champs
The love from the fans wont suffice.
Theres no doubt that this team has the talent to do damage at the World Cup, but if it plays like it did on Monday, it could be a short tournament.
Fan tries to plant a kiss on Cristiano Ronaldo, has a better day than Portugal and CR7 did vs. Netherlands
In the end, the concerns in attack continue for Portugal, but the defense was poor, didnt time its challenges well and looked like, well, this:
Its No. 1 vs. No. 3 with first place on the line in Madrid
Fan tries to plant a kiss on Cristiano Ronaldo, has a better day than Portugal and CR7 did vs. Netherlands
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