Irina Shayk may be the Reason Ronaldo is back in Form. What did the Russian beauty do?

Been searching for the source of Ronaldo's resurgence at the Euros after such a fine display in Kharkiv.  The unfancied Iberians masterfully put aside the Dutch to clinch the next qualifying spot from the group of death: well, thanks to a collective display and a "Ronaldic" finishing, the type we are used to in Madrid. Does Irina Shayk have anything to do with this, or is it that hunt to be considered the World's best or was it simply because it was father's day and Ronaldo Jr couldn't be happier with any other gift on his birthday? My search is still on-going, however with Czech Republic coming up, who says there's no reason to hope? Forca Portugal!! We may just spring a surprise in Eastern Europe this summer.
Ok, now I have your attention, let's analyse what went right in Kharkiv.

Irina Shayk: With this on the standby, any man would score *wink*

Just when Portugal needed him most, the son rose to the occasion. Cristiano Ronaldo Dos Santos Aveiro once again stressed his importance on the big stage as his splendid display saw the Seleção das Quinas edge past the Oranje boys to book a place in the last eight.  Many may argue that the Dutch team played below par, but a critical look at the group of death shows that no one was a ride over, not even the Danes. José Dinis Aveiro wouldn't have wished for a better Father's day gift from his son wherever he is, and we can all bet that Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro, Elma and Liliana Cátia not leaving out our Russian Hottie Irina, must have all been proud of their Cristiano. He carried the burden of a nation on his shoulder and delivered even on the back of fierce criticism following his dismal performances in the past two games.This has been a very Dutch failure, a team brought into disarray by the incompatibility of inflated egos. News filtered from the camp that Vice-Captain R.V.D Vaart was not happy with the substitute role he has been relegated to, and Arjen Robben reportedly shutting him up diplomatically. It was clear that all was not well in the Oranje camp but that is far from trying to belittle Portugal's performance On Sunday. So ironic then, that their faint hopes of rescuing this desperate Euro 2012 performance was put to an end by a player who arguably is the biggest one of all when it comes down to fiestas like this. The scoreline read 2 goals, but it could have been more thanks to the Upright and some great saves particularly Stekelenburg's on Nani's close range effort.

Ronaldo alone hit the woodwork twice and his team-mates missed chance after chance. Bert van Marwijk’s team were sent home by a collective Portuguese performance, led by their inspiring captain, that shamed the Dutch divas.Van Marwijk's bravest decision must have been leaving Van Bommel out of the starting line-up. His captain and the extension of his authority on the pitch may have well bowed out on his last tournament, because at 35 years he probably does not have much left to offer. Van Bommel's place was taken by his ego-inflated vice Van Der Vaart, who needed only 11 minutes to show Van Marwijk where he has gone wrong all the while as he netted a curling effort into the left corner. Rui Patricio could do virtually nothing about the effort as it was a masterclass on its own. Van Bommel's Dutch Career may as well be over, but Van Der Vaart's dynasty might have just begun.

Ronnie Opens the Scoring against the Dutch for his first of the Tournament.

Van Der Vaart's goal sparked a bust of energy into the Portuguese rather than gave the Dutch confidence. The goal spectacularly enlivened the Portuguese. Robben gave the ball away cheaply,  and Paulo Bento’s side worked it swiftly down the right, Helder Postiga playing it out to Ronaldo who knew he had the beating of Vlaar. The Real Madrid winger’s low shot hit the outside of the post denying the Portuguese an instant response. The Dutch went from being in control to suddenly looking nervous and vulnerable. Van der Wiel, under no real pressure, played what was effectively a through ball to Helder Postiga but had the striker's finishing been better, Portugal would have opened its account against the Oranje. Moments later Raul Meireles volleyed a chance into the side-netting and Ronaldo forced a messy save from Stekelenburg.

The Oranje fever didn't last too long as just close to the half-hour mark, Ronnie netted his first goal of the tourney. A brilliantly taken finish past Stekelenburg from about 12 yards, similar to his second miss against the Danes. This time around, there were no errors as the ball found the back of the net. The goal originated from Jetro Willems errant pass. The Portuguese moved the ball without real pressure being placed on them and Joao Peirera, the right back, flicked a pass into the area with the outside of his boot, having spotted Ronaldo darting in behind Vlaar. Ronnie's goal was calmly taken, but the pass from Pereira made all the difference in the first goal- it was a beautifully weighted pass from the right-back. The score was all level and from that moment on the Portuguese had the destiny of their advancement in their palms.Van Marwijk was impotently barking at his players from the technical area. Ronaldo could have made their predicament worse: he had already terrified Stekelenburg with one of his dipping, powerful, long-rangers when he headed just wide of the near post. Very few had expected the Dutch to fall back into shambles given the fine start they had, but the Iberians continually pressed on: Postiga had a goal disallowed and rightly so for offside, and then Ronaldo led a rapid counter, carrying the ball for some 60 yards before passing to Fabio Coentrao but his Real Madrid 'blonde haired" team-mate could not beat Stekelenburg though with a fine effort.

It was getting quite easy for the Iberians as Moutinho sent Ronaldo free down the left and the Portugal captain played a brilliant ball across the face of goal for Nani who shot straight at Stekelenburg with the goal gaping. It was a chance gone begging as the Portuguese bench were soaked in unbelief that Nani did not convert the opportunity.

Ronaldo again!

And finally, the chance that ensured that Portugal were assured a place in the last eight irrespective of the result between Germany and Denmark in Lviv was set up by Nani who himself had a brilliant game. The United winger rolled the ball across the face of the area to Ronaldo who checked, left Van der Wiel on his backside, and shot low into the net after Van Der Vaart had been robbed off the ball in the Portuguese eighteen yard box. It was a classic Counter and a brilliant finish from the Portuguese Torch-bearer.Van der Vaart bent a long range shot against the post moments later, but you always had the feeling the Portuguese could get another goal if they wanted to. It wasn't that easy but it was actually "quite easy". One more counter saw Ronaldo smash the ball against the post. As at now, it was beyond doubt that the Dutch were soon moving their luggages from Kharkiv.