Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the players with something still to prove at Euro 2016

We highlight the players who underperformed during the first round of fixtures

Wednesday 15 June 2016 12:54 BST

 Ibrahimovic failed to score a single goal at Euro 2016 (Getty)

Every team at Euro 2016 has now taken the stage, but not all of the most hyped players have put in a star turn in the tournament.

Amid the anticipation for a major championship expectations around the best players grow to astronomical levels.

Some have already proved themselves - Andres Iniesta was sublime in Spain's victory over the Czech Republic, Gareth Bale scored a (somewhat fortuitous) free-kick to ensure he has at least one moment in the limelight this summer and Luka Modric put in the performance of the tournament so far during Croatia's opening win.

But others weren't so visible, among them Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku.

Here we take a look at those with something still to prove and a reputation to justify as we head into the second round of games...

The 'star' players with something still to prove

Show all 10

1/10The 'star' players with something still to prove

The 'star' players with something still to prove

Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)

Last match: Belgium 0 vs Italy 2

Belgium’s game against Italy was supposed to showcase their championship credentials, instead it’s reinforced doubts about team cohesion and the credibility of the FIfa World Rankings. Lukaku was hyped before the tournament with many pointing to his exploits for Everton in the first half of the season, however, his form since February has been dire – as was his display against Italy. Belgium’s next game, against Ireland, gives him an opportunity to justify his place in the starting XI.

The 'star' players with something still to prove

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Last match: Portugal 1 vs Iceland 1

After another goal-laden season with Madrid much was expected of Ronaldo in Portugal’s first game against tournament minnows Iceland. While his performance wasn’t necessarily poor, Ronaldo went unseen for large periods of Portugal’s game against Iceland. His frustration with his teammates and the opposition was evidently clear throughout the second half, with Ronaldo often shaking his head after a teammates’ bad touch or wayward pass. Portugal face a wounded Austria side on Saturday; Ronaldo will be demanding more from himself and his team.

The 'star' players with something still to prove

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden)

Last match: Republic of Ireland 1 vs Sweden 1

With an impending move to Manchester United surrounding Ibrahimovic, his display against Ireland seemed fitting for a player with a lot on his mind. While his ball resulted in Sweden’s equaliser against the Republic of Ireland (an own goal), he did little else in the 90 minutes. Like Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic has often been outspoken when asked about the quality of his national teammates, and while he is Sweden’s best player – he didn’t seem it. With Sweden’s next match coming against a confident Italy side, boasting a formidable defensive unit, Ibrahimovic will have to come up with something special.

The 'star' players with something still to prove

Paul Pogba (France)

Last match: France 2 vs Romania 1

Now the face of France’s championship winning ambitions, more was expected from Pogba than what he delivered against Romania. Some fancy flicks and a shot from outside the box masked numerous stray passes, as well as a tendency to selfishly maraud forward rather than play in teammates. His substitution was greeted with surprise but it was necessary, Pogba didn’t look like winning the game for France. Dimitri Payet, the man who ultimately did, performed brilliantly and seemed to showcase Pogba’s shortcomings against Romania. The Juve man will be hoping to steal the show as France takes on Albania.

The 'star' players with something still to prove

Martin Skrtel (Slovakia)

Last match: Wales 2 vs Slovakia 1

Slovakia’s performance against Wales deserved a draw, Skrtel’s tackles throughout the match deserved red cards a plenty. As the main man in Slovakia’s back four, he’ll be expected to put in a big shift against Russia. With the Liverpool defender having apparently been told that he’s not in club manager Jurgen Klopp’s plans for next season, a couple big performances will see his stock rise – performances like his against Wales won’t.

The 'star' players with something still to prove

Harry Kane (England)

Last match: England 1 vs Russia 1

While tactics might have worked against Kane in England’s match against Russia, more is expected from last season’s Premier League top scorer. His finishing against Turkey in last month’s friendly was average to say the best (bar his offside goal), a failure to test the opposition goalkeeper was seen once again against Russia. England’s hopes of a successful Euro campaign depend on an in-form Kane, and should he fail to find his shooting boots against Wales he might find himself displaced in favour of a fit Daniel Sturridge.

The 'star' players with something still to prove

Robert Lewandowski (Poland)

Last match: Poland 1 vs Northern Ireland 0

Poland kicked off their Euro campaign with a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland, Ajax striker Arkadiusz Milik giving the Poles the three points – the first time they’ve won their opener in the tournament. While Northern Ireland produced a fine defensive display, Poland dominated the match. Yet Robert Lewandowski failed to record a single shot on goal throughout the match. After struggling to shake the marking of Jonny Evans, Lewandowski will find things a lot tougher against German duo, and club teammates, Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels.

The 'star' players with something still to prove

Mario Mandzukic (Croatia)

Last match: Croatia 1 vs Turkey 0

Luka Modric’s stunning volley spared Mandzukic’s blushes as the Juventus forward cut a frustrated figure against Turkey. Occasionally whipping in a good ball from the wings, his role as Croatia’s lone forward seemed too big a task. While presented with few opportunities to score, he often found himself bullied by the Turkish pairing of Mehmet Topal and Hakan Balta. With the Czech Republic next, Mandzukic will find himself against one of the tournament’s best goalkeepers in Petr Cech.

The 'star' players with something still to prove

Radja Nainggolan (Belgium)

Last match: Belgium 0 vs Italy 2

With apparent interest from Italian boss, and incoming Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte, Nainggolan had a poor performance against Italy. The Roma central midfielder did little of consequence during his time on the pitch, with notable moments coming from ineffective shots from range and his substitution. Like Lukaku, Nainggolan will have to find form against Ireland or risk being benched for their final group game against Sweden.

The 'star' players with something still to prove

Raheem Sterling (England)

Last match: England 1 vs Russia 1

England’s most expensive player enjoyed a good first half against Russia, playing a key part of England’s attack. Yet as the match progressed Sterling’s game gradually deteriorated. His inability to identify himself as a goal-scoring threat leaves him relying on delivering lofted crosses and trying to stretch play. With Daniel Sturridge a more than suitable replacement for Sterling, he’ll need a solid performance against the Welsh to guarantee a place in England’s starting XI against Slovakia.

Second round of fixtures...

Russia v Slovakia, 14.00 (BBC)

Romania v Switzerland, 17.00 (ITV)

France v Albania, 20.00 (ITV)

ENGLAND v WALES, 14.00 (BBC)

Ukraine v NORTHERN IRELAND, 17.00 (ITV)

Germany v Poland, 20.00 (ITV)

Italy v Sweden, 14.00 (ITV)

Czech Republic v Croatia, 17.00 (BBC)

Spain v Turkey, 20.00 (ITV)

Belgium v Republic of Ireland, 14.00 (ITV)

Iceland v Hungary, 17.00 (BBC)

Portugal v Austria, 20.00 (BBC)

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