Ronaldo threat

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring a goal against Netherlands during their Group B Euro 2012 soccer match at the Metalist stadium in Kharkiv, June 17, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

Soon after, Ronaldo gave an early reminder of his threat on the counter, powering through before hitting the outside of the post with a low effort - a sign of things to come.

The Netherlands were surprisingly loose with possession and it was from a poor give-away by left-back Jetro Willems that Portugal equalized in the 28th minute.

Joao Pereira threaded a ball to Ronaldo who finished in characteristic style to send the teams in level at the break.

The Dutch tried to get back in front after the interval but it was Portugal who got the reward for their positive approach.

Ronaldo created chances for Fabio Coentrao and Nani but in the 74th minute he decided the outcome in impressive fashion.

Deep in his own half, the winger swung the ball out wide to Nani on the right who raced goalwards before looking up and finding Ronaldo in the area where he steadied himself before firing past Maarten Stekelenburg.

Luck was also against the Dutch when Van der Vaart hit the post with from 25 meters but the sight of Robin Van Persie and Huntelaar shooting wide in the final minutes was more symbolic.

Ronaldo was determined to complete his riposte to hasty critics with a hat-trick and nearly got his wish when in the final minute when he sprinted down the right, screaming for the ball, collected and struck the post with a left-foot shot.

A third goal would have been just reward for an outstanding display but cruel on the thousands of travelling Dutch fans who kindly applauded their team at the conclusion.

Whether many back home believe they deserved that generosity is likely to be fiercely debated in the days and weeks to come.