Ronaldo Scores Two
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Through the 11th minute, the Netherlands bested Portugal and deserved their lead.
After the 11th, Portugal dominated, and Cristiano Ronaldo sparkled.
The 27-year-old superstar equalized for Portugal in the 28th minute, controlling the ball and finishing expertly past Maarten Stekelenburg after João Pereira's through ball had carved open the Dutch defense.
Portugal kept attacking throughout the first half, and their advantage finally paid off in the 74th minute, when Ronaldo put the final touch on a breathtaking counter.
This time, Nani played the final pass, but the result was the same. And this time, defeat meant the end for the Netherlands.
Before the match, Ronaldo had failed to score at Euro 2012, and his teammates were fending off questions about his form.
Afterward, Ronaldo had underlined his credentials as Europe's best player, and Portugal suddenly looked like a dark horse to win it all.
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