Cristiano Ronaldo, Your Country Needs You - The Real Madrid Star Must Finally Step Up At International Level As Portugal Face Germany & Netherlands At Euro 2012

The 26-year-old hasn't hit the heights for his country in major tournaments, but will need to be at his very best next summer if Paulo Bento's men are to make the second round.

It could hardly have been a tougher draw for Portugal. The need to accommodate two tournament co-hosts in Pot 1 had seen Germany - many pundits' pick for Euro 2012 glory - relegated to Pot 2, while Spain and the Netherlands awaited perilously in the strongest sector. The fear for any side - let alone Portugal, arguably the finest team outside of pre-draw Pots 1 and 2 - was to draw two of those three. But it happened to Paulo Bento's side and, on top of that, they were also pitted against the team who finished above them in qualifying - Denmark.

"We have been drawn in the hardest group of all," said Bento afterwards. Germany coach Joachim Low and Netherlands boss Bert van Marwijk agreed, while Peter Schmeichel summed up the Danish mood when he claimed on Twitter that he needed a beer.

In the cold light of day, however, a closer look at Group B will be a sobering prospect for all associated. And while Denmark look the weakest of the four sides, despite their form in the qualifiers, Portugal will believe that passage to the last eight is a real possibility. To achieve it, however, they need Cristiano Ronaldo - and they need him at his very best.