"All I want from him is to do exactly what he does every time he plays for Portugal – nothing more." When Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari speaks of Cristiano Ronaldo, it is with an almost paternal affection. Yet Scolari knows, as well as millions around the world who will be watching UEFA EURO 2008™, that Ronaldo is capable of inspiring Portugal to victory on 29 June in Vienna. He showed that again in Portugal's impressive 2-0 win against Turkey on Saturday night in Geneva.

History maker
This past season has been such a triumph for the incumbent of Manchester United FC's famous No7 shirt that whatever further feats he should perform over the next three weeks or so will be hard pushed to surprise his public or his peers. After moving to Old Trafford at the tender age of 18, his just-completed fifth season in England has been the pinnacle of his career so far, comprising 42 goals in all competitions and a UEFA Champions League final win. At UEFA EURO 2008™ the player that Scolari matter-of-factly described this week as "the best in the whole world" is striving to, in his own words, "make history".

Ruthless
A successful EURO could see him join the rank of established Portugal legends such as Eusébio and Mário Coluna, as well as more recent stars such as Luís Figo and Rui Costa. Ronaldo's focus and determination since Portugal arrived in Switzerland has been the most eye-catching feature of the team's training, making a mockery of any perceived pressure on his young shoulders. Rather than massaging the confidence of goalkeeper Ricardo in Tuesday's eleven-a-side practice match amongst the squad, the winger sent free-kicks and tap-ins alike past his bemused colleague.

Respect
The respect he inspires in even high-class opponents was obvious from the opening minutes against Turkey. Having received the ball for the first time in his familiar position on the right side, Ronaldo was immediately confronted by three Turkish defenders. A typically surging run then took him past four challenges before he dragged a shot wide from the edge of the area. He then nearly opened his goal account for the tournament, hitting Volkan Demirel's left post with a trademark free-kick.

Leader
Whether he is switching wings with Simão or playing almost as an orthodox centre-forward after Nuno Gomes's replacement by Nani, Ronaldo's energy is unrelenting, showing just why his coach thinks of his the natural successor to Figo as the team's leader. His best is what Portugal always receive, because as Scolari has observed, the 23-year-old's success so far has been built on the foundations of phenomenal hard work.