The forward allayed concerns over his fitness, starting against the Republic of Ireland and looking lively as he went all out in search of a goal. Ireland were such accommodating opponents that even Paulo Bento's men were surprised at how easily they were able to create openings, and they duly raced into an early lead.
At one point the crowd fell silent as Cristiano collapsed in a heap, sparking fears of a setback. He picked himself up gingerly and looked towards the dugout, but then sprang right back to life when João Moutinho won back possession.
In the very next move, Portugal won a free-kick in Ronaldo territory. The Real Madrid ace placed the ball down, ran up and unleashed a fierce drive over the wall and onto the post. Only 19 minutes had elapsed, but already Cristiano was everywhere and involved in everything, supplying a number of trademark flicks and tricks.
Off at half-time? Not a chance
The Portugal medical staff's plan was for CR7 to only feature in the first period, when the match was expected to have more shape, before the typical swathe of substitutions that characterises friendlies.
Ronaldo, though, had other ideas: having come close to scoring on several occasions, he was desperate to hit the target to leave his mark on the US preparations.
Paulo Bento gave him 20 more minutes, but the longed-for goal proved elusive. Nevertheless, more importantly where Portugal are concerned, the star didn't suffer any sort of injury relapse.
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