Paris: How surprising it is to see two of the biggest names in world football to be struggling in a football tournament on the back of highly successful seasons where they flooded the net with goals. Though, Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic bagged 51 and 50 goals respectively in the 2015-16 season, but the duo have surprised everyone with their dismal performance in front of the goal so far.


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With only a win in the final group match guaranteeing Sweden's progression to the Round of 16, Ibrahimovic could well be playing his last ever game in the blue-yellow jersey, having decided to quit national team duty after the Euro 16. What comes out as an indigestible stat is that the 34-year-old striker has failed to register even a single shot on target in the first two matches and it is certain that the high-profile clash against Belgium will be one hell of a test.


Portugal, on the other hand, have bagged two points in the first two games, but need at least a point to stand a chance to qualify for the next round. After missing the crucial penalty against Austria, Ronaldo's desperation to break the duck will be well understood by the Hungarian side, sitting top of the Group F. Captain's armband, a blank slate in terms of goals in the tournament and the responsibility of guiding his team into the pre-quarters, would have certainly led into a sleepless night for Ronaldo; but it remains to be seen whether the 31-year-old can further improve his Ballon d'Ór credentials or not.


Though many other star strikers are enduring a goal-drought this campaign, it is for Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to prove why they are a cut above the rest.