RONALDO'S WORLD CUP KNOCKOUT GOAL DROUGHT

Eight games, no goals: Cristiano Ronaldo's quest to end his woeful World Cup knockouts record with Portugal

When Portugal play Croatia on Thursday, Cristiano Ronaldo will attempt to do something he's never managed before: score a goal in the knockout stage of the World Cup. The Portuguese is one of the finest forwards the game has ever seen and, against Uzbekistan last week, became the first man to score in six different editions of the game's most prestigious tournament, which is testament to his remarkable longevity and work ethic.

However, as well as never previously getting his hands on the World Cup, Ronaldo has also never really produced his very best form at the finals - or at least not when it matters most. Ronaldo may sit joint-11th on the all-time leading scorers' list, alongside the likes of Gary Lineker, Thomas Muller and Gabriel Batistuta, but all 10 of his goals to date have come in the group stage.

So, how is it that one of the most lethal finishers in football history is still waiting for his first goal in the knockout stage of the World Cup? And what chance does he have of breaking his duck against Croatia in Toronto?