Fans spotted what Cristiano Ronaldo said before taking free-kick vs Czech Republic

Fans have spotted what Cristiano Ronaldo said before taking a free kick against the Czech Republic on Tuesday.

Portugal scored a 92nd-minute winner against the Czech Republic, courtesy of Francisco Conceicao to give Roberto Martinez's men a crucial 2-1 win in their opening game of Group F.

Indeed, Ronaldo’s appearance in the encounter saw him become the first player to ever play in six European Championships, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner having first featured in the competition back in 2004.

The 39-year-old, who on Tuesday largely laboured in front of goal, is also set to become the oldest player to net in a European Championship should he score during the competition.

One chance he spurned was from a free kick, with fans on social media having noted what the Portugal star said while lining up to take the set piece.

A contingent of fans on social media, upon lip-reading Ronaldo, have theorised that he said: “Vais marcar”, which is Portuguese for: “You are going to score.”

Some, however, have argued he said: “Bismillah”, the Islamic phrase for “In the name of Allah”. Of course, the latter seems unlikely considering Ronaldo is known to be a practising Christian.

After the game, Czech Republic boss Ivan Hasek was full of praise for Ronaldo, labelling him a “genius”.

Hasek said: "I have to admit it is a big pity that we did not finish our work. It was close. We made it very difficult for Portugal, one of the best teams in the world.

Ronaldo saying "Bismillah" before his freekick

May Allah guide him to Islam fr pic.twitter.com/psCZ6Rpirx

— Zaak 𝕏 (@BeardedZaak_) June 18, 2024

"We are all disappointed to have conceded in additional time. We have to put it behind us very quickly as in four days we will play a key game. We will need to improve.

"It is really unbelievable how dangerous a player Cristiano Ronaldo is in every game at his age. He showed his genius again, he knows how to get involved in chances.

"My hat goes off to him; he is one of the best players in football history. Truly a fabulous man."

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