Ronaldo’s time to prove greatness

Cristiano Ronaldo, who from a young age made no secret of his desire to be regarded as the best in the world, has been dogged for years now by a football snobbery that says no player can ever be regarded as ‘a true great’ until he has underlined his talent by weaving his magic on the World Cup or European Championship stage.

Perhaps this is the tournament for him to finally answer his doubters.

On the face of it, the idea that a player cannot be a legend until he has won an international trophy is bizarre; especially in this age when Champions League football is often regarded as of a higher standard and when teams so often arrive at World Cups and European Championships jaded and carrying injuries from a hectic domestic season.