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Yes, it was only a pre-Euro 2016 friendly. Yes, it was against Estonia, a side that didn’t qualify for the Euros and is currently ranked 94 in the world, but, oh my gosh, did Cristiano Ronaldo and Ricardo Quaresma put on a show in Portugal’s final warm-up game before the start of the tournament in France.
We're talking Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen levels of excellence, Batman and Robin levels of teamwork and a combination as good as milk and cookies. This was beyond next level tandem play, and every moment of combination deserves to be savored like Han Solo and Chewbacca piloting the Millennium Falcon.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s dominance should come as no surprise, but Ricardo Quaresma reminded us all of why he was considered one of the finest footballing talents in the world in 2008. That was eight heady years ago, but the Portuguese winger from Lisbon demonstrated some of the same skills that saw him rise to prominence.
First, he delivered a delicious cross with the outside of his foot for Ronaldo to convert. Back in 2008, his then manager at Inter Milan, Jose Mourinho, had vowed to weed this unnecessary skill from his game. Quaresma failed at Inter, but, thankfully, Mourinho also failed to change the mercurial performer. He's a real showman, not a grafter.
Have some of that, Mr. Mourinho.
Quaresma wasn’t done there. Two minutes later, he cut in from the left side before measuring this brilliant finish which found its way inside the far post, even with Cristiano Ronaldo attempting to tap-in the effort himself. Classic Ronaldo.
Portugal’s third goal was a brilliant piece of invention from everyone involved. Ronaldo was heavily involved in the build-up and his finish, if somewhat fortunate, was still pleasing on the eye.
Quaresma added a second goal of his own in the 77th minute. His expertly taken goal rifled into the far corner from outside the box. Jose Mourinho, sign him up!
All in all, Portugal put seven goals past their helpless opponents. Portugal will begin their Euro 2016 campaign against Iceland on June 14. They play Austria on June 18 and finish up against Hungary on June 22.
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