2012 Portugal Away – Cristiano Ronaldo #7 Small

Tournament Overview

The 2012 UEFA European Championship was one of the most impressive tournament runs in the modern history of the Portugal national football team. Managed by Paulo Bento, Portugal entered Euro 2012 as outsiders compared to Spain and Germany, but emerged as one of the competition’s strongest teams.

Placed in the dreaded “Group of Death” alongside Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands, Portugal recovered from an opening loss to Germany with victories over Denmark and the Netherlands to reach the knockout rounds. Their performances improved with every match as confidence grew around a disciplined defensive structure and devastating counter-attacking style.

Portugal defeated the Czech Republic 1–0 in the quarter-finals before pushing reigning world and European champions Spain to the limit in the semi-finals. After a tense 0–0 draw, Portugal were eliminated on penalties, ending their tournament just one step short of the final.

Despite the heartbreak, Euro 2012 is remembered as the tournament where Portugal proved they could compete with anyone in Europe and laid the foundation for the team that would eventually win Euro 2016.

The 2012 Portugal away kit, produced by Nike, featured a striking white base with green and red detailing, creating one of the cleanest and most elegant Portugal shirts of the modern era. Minimalist yet unmistakably Portuguese, it remains a highly sought-after vintage football shirt among collectors.

Player’s Impact – Cristiano Ronaldo

The 2012 European Championship was arguably the first major international tournament where Cristiano Ronaldo fully carried Portugal as both captain and superstar.

Fresh off another remarkable season with Real Madrid, Ronaldo entered Euro 2012 in the form of his life. After a quiet opening match against Germany, he exploded into action when Portugal needed him most.

Ronaldo scored a decisive brace against the Netherlands to secure qualification from the group stage and followed it with the winning goal against the Czech Republic in the quarter-finals. Throughout the tournament, he was Portugal’s primary attacking threat, creating chances through pace, power, aerial ability, and relentless direct running.

Operating from the left wing, Ronaldo was given complete freedom to attack central areas, making him nearly impossible to contain in transition. His performances elevated Portugal from dark horse to genuine contender and cemented his status as one of the world’s elite players.

Although Portugal fell short in the semi-finals, Euro 2012 marked the beginning of Ronaldo’s transformation from global superstar to true Portuguese football icon.

Full Squad List (Portugal – Euro 2012)

Manager: Paulo Bento

Goalkeepers:
Rui Patrício, Eduardo, Beto

Defenders:
Pepe, Bruno Alves, Fábio Coentrão, João Pereira, Ricardo Costa, Rolando, Miguel Lopes

Midfielders:
João Moutinho, Raúl Meireles, Miguel Veloso, Carlos Martins, Rúben Micael

Forwards:
Cristiano Ronaldo (captain), Nani, Hélder Postiga, Hugo Almeida, Silvestre Varela, Ricardo Quaresma, Nélson Oliveira