Cristiano Ronaldo’s utterly stunning free kick against Portsmouth rippled the back of David James’ net eight years ago.
The goal cemented Ronaldo’s status as the owner of one of deadliest free kicks in Europe and his knuckleball technique was praised the world over.
But now, in 2016, the Portugal and Real Madrid star struggles to beat the wall and, if he does, the strike usually clears the crossbar by ten yards.
Ronaldo was presented with two late free kicks during Portugal’s Group F opener against Iceland on Tuesday.
He had the victory, and the record of becoming the first player to score in four different European Championships, in his sights.
Boom! Hit the hand of a man in the Icelandic wall. Referee moves the free kick forward ten yards. Second chance for Ronnie.
Boom! Wall again.
As the final whistle blew, Ronaldo’s ignominy was doubled by the fact that, while turning to berate the referee, the ball slowly descended and hit him square on his well-oiled head.
Ball hits Ronaldo on head after free-kick 😂😂 #PORISL #POR #ISL #EURO2016 https://t.co/bMGmhOmq15
— Sam (@theskyhighguy14) June 14, 2016
And the internet believed that Ronaldo had finally been outed as a charlatan – a man relying on a few decent free kicks early in his career – who now can’t master his own knack.
https://twitter.com/_ANTONIOM92/status/742822291499847685
Is Ronaldo the most overrated free kick taker in the world? #EURO2016
— Mark Anders (@markanders) June 14, 2016
https://twitter.com/FutbolsaCountry/status/742822268808617988
https://twitter.com/JamesSeale/status/742822256825503744
Don't think i've seen Ronaldo score a free-kick since that one against portsmouth
— Jordan Rutterford (@Jordy_Rutter) June 14, 2016
Bag of shite that Ronaldo! When was the last time he scored a decent free kick
— SelbyMag (@stevecurry1970) June 14, 2016
Can't stand the myth that any free kick within 35 yards and Ronaldo taking it is a massive danger, his conversion rate is surely terrible
— Mark Guyatt (@markEguyatt) June 14, 2016
One of the more hilarious misconceptions in football is the one about Cristiano Ronaldo being a good free kick taker. FUCK OUTTA HERE.
— THEKINGMONEYD👑 (@xDODGEMATEx) June 14, 2016
Ronaldo is not a good free kick specialist
— . (@LordH__) June 14, 2016
Ronaldo isn't and never has been a good free kick taker, his stats are shit, shouldn't be taking them. #POR
— Darren Main (@Mavedotcom) June 14, 2016
Ronaldo's free kick record is one of the poorest in the game. Only gets Real Madrid fans boys going 'cause he takes a deep breath beforehand
— Bambino (@_CrissoN) June 14, 2016
