THERE'S ONLY ONE RONALDO

Last updated : 06 September 2004 By editor

From Press Association:

'Cristiano Ronaldo was the talk of Portugal after his impressive display against Latvia but he had to share centre stage with a female streaker.

Ronaldo scored the opener and then laid on the second for Pedro Pauleta as the Euro 2004 runners-up started their campaign for a spot in the next World Cup with a 2-0 win over the Baltic nation in Riga.

After 57 minutes Ronaldo drilled in the opener after Jorge Andrade's shot had been blocked although Latvia coach Aleksandrs Starkovs was banished to the touchline after complaining to English referee Graham Poll that Ronaldo had controlled the ball with his hand.

A minute later, the former Sporting Lisbon star burst down the flank and crossed to Pauleta who headed into an open goal - a relief for the striker who had a disappointing Euro 2004 and failed to score a single goal.

It was another excellent display from Ronaldo whose fine performances in Portugal during the summer may have helped persuade Luis Figo it was time to retire from international football.

"Double pleasure" was the headline for O Jogo newspaper who illustrated their article with a bare-breasted female Latvian pitch invader.

"Topless session inspires Ronaldo and co," continued the sports daily.

A Bola titled "Goals with love" as they went into raptures about the Madeira-born player.

Record also claimed the semi-naked streaker had helped Ronaldo to find his feet, saying: "Lovely Riga girl helps create an explosion of hormones."