Cristiano Ronaldo in tears after missing the crucial penalty for Portugal against Slovenia in EURO 2024 (AFP)
Ronaldo had a chance to put Portugal ahead late in the first period of extra-time in a tense, goalless tie in Frankfurt, and ultimately misfired.
The moment is always bigger than the stars, and it sure was the case for Cristiano Ronaldo, who was reduced to tears at the end of extra-time in Portugal’s 0-0 encounter against Slovenia in the EURO 2024 Round of 16 on Monday.
After a slogfest of a clash, which saw both sides draw a blank for the entire duration of regulation time and more, Ronaldo had a chance to put Portugal ahead late in the first period of extra-time in a tense, goalless tie in Frankfurt.
The 39-year-old Al Nassr forward stepped up to take the spot-kick after a foul on Diogo Jota to help Portugal find the win they desperately needed.
But, alas, it was not meant to be so easy for Ronaldo and Portugal, as the talisman striker’s attempt was saved by his former rival, Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak, in goal for Slovenia.
This is the Cristiano Ronaldo penalty missNot even Bukayo saka can MissPortugal down in dumpsSlovenia, oblack and Sesko you can make it pic.twitter.com/64osmy2P9A
— Rodgersdusa (@Rodgersdusa) July 1, 2024
After scoring his previous 29 penalties, Ronaldo was visibly stunned to see Oblak keep out his shot and held his head in disbelief.
Seconds later the whistle went for half-time in extra-time and that was the signal for Ronaldo to start openly weeping, in utter disappointment upon letting his team down, as he stood in a huddle of Portugal players.
Consoled by team-mate Joao Palhinha, the legendary striker was able to wipe away his tears and continue playing when the match resumed, with Portugal fans singing “Viva Ronaldo” to cheer up their talismanic leader after his emotional outburst was shown on the big screen.
“First it was sadness and then it was joy, that’s what football gives you, inexplicable moments, a bit of everything,” Ronaldo said in a post-match interview.
“I didn’t make a single mistake this year and when I needed something the most, Oblak saved it.
“Slovenia spent the whole game defending and when that happens, it all becomes difficult.”
But, luckily for the striker, his tears would turn to cheers eventually, as the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star regained his composure in time for the penalty shoot-out that ensued after extra-time and got a measure of revenge as he scored the opening kick to put Portugal on course for victory.
Then, followed redemption in its finest form as three penalty saves from Portugal keeper Diogo Costa ensured that Roberto Martinez’s side booked a blockbuster quarter-final meeting with France.
Stay updated with the latest from Euro 2024. Explore Euro 2024 Match Today. Check Updated list of Highest Goal-Scorer in Euro 2024. CheckEuro 2024 Points Table and Euro 2024 Match Results and Euro 2024 Match Schedule .
