Ronaldo leads Portugal with grit, flair

GENEVA: Cristiano Ronaldo came into the European Championship with the monicker "the world's best player". On Saturday, he ended up captaining his country to an all important opening win against Turkey.

Oh, and also, he was deeply involved in both goals in the 2-0 win, sent a free kick off the inside of the post, spread around some great crosses, and had a few dazzling runs. Literally, up to the final whistle, he was fighting hard for the last ball.

For anyone less than Cristiano Ronaldo, it would have been a standout performance. For Cristiano Ronaldo, who gets rated by the magic he weaves, it was merely good.