It has been 17 years and three days since Cristiano Ronaldo made his international tournament debut.
He started on the bench on June 12, 2004 but would enter the fray at the start of the second half.
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Prior to the tournament, he’d earned just seven caps for Portugal and he was still just a precocious talent making waves at Manchester United.
His debut season at Old Trafford had gone superbly and the determined youngster had his sights on winning the European Championship at the first attempt, and on home soil.
Most things have gone exactly to plan for Ronaldo throughout his career, partly down to his incredible talent, partly his insatiable desire to win.
He is about to play in a record fifth European Championship, but his first appearance in the tournament did not go the way he wanted.
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Both Ronaldo and Deco, Portugal’s creative stars, were left out of the starting line-up but with the tournament hosts 1-0 down after Giorgos Karagounis’ early goal, manager Luis Felipe Scolari turned to the duo.
The former took to the field in place of Simao Sabrosa, while Brazil-born Deco replaced Rui Costa.
Seven minutes after taking the field, however, it got worse and it was of Ronaldo’s making.
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Panathinaikos right-back Giourkas Seitaridis overlapped Angelos Charisteas and the rapid Ronaldo kept chase with him.
But so keen was he to ensure Seitaridis wasn’t able to get to the ball he fouled the defender, giving away a penalty.
Future Portsmouth star Angelos Basinas would tuck home the spot-kick – 2-0 to Greece.
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The rest of the match was an onslaught from Portugal, Deco, Figo, and Nuno Gomes were among those who hit shots off target or into the gloves of a grateful Antonis Nikopolidis.
But, after 90 minutes, Ronaldo finally made the impact he wanted crashing a header home from a Figo corner.
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Still the 2-1 loss was devastating for the home nation and Ronaldo was visibly upset.
His tournament got better after his first international goal, helping Portugal to four straight wins, including one on penalties in the quarter-finals against England.
In the final, though, Greece would face them again and Charisteas’ shock goal handed Ronaldo and his teammates defeat on home soil.
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The images of him crying after the final whistle were used to mock him in the months after.
Having become one of the greatest players the world has seen, winning five Ballons d’Or, the Champions League five times, titles in Italy, Spain, and England, and Euro 2016, it’s safe to say he’s had the last laugh.
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