MARSEILLE – Two of Europe’s most prolific marksmen go head-to-head as Robert Lewandowski aims to end Cristiano Ronaldo’s dreams of landing an international trophy when Poland meets Portugal in a Euro 2016 quarterfinal clash on Thursday.
Ronaldo is just one goal away from even more European championship history by matching French legend Michel Platini’s record mark of nine goals in the finals.
The Real Madrid star has already become the first player to score in four Euros and broken the competition record for appearances.
At 31, Ronaldo is unlikely to get a better chance for international glory with the winners in Marseille facing a semifinal clash against his Real Madrid teammate Gareth Bale and Wales or Belgium.
Despite a double against Hungary to save Portugal’s blushes to sneak through the group stage in third place, Ronaldo has yet to catch fire in France.
A flat display and post-match rant against Iceland in Portugal’s opener was followed by a missed penalty in a stalemate against Austria.