Cristiano Ronaldo’s tears in Portugal’s Euro 2024 last-16 clash against Slovenia captured the emotional weight of a grueling match that saw the superstar miss a crucial penalty. Despite his miss, Portugal triumphed 3-0 in the shootout, thanks to Diogo Costa’s heroics, saving all three of Slovenia’s penalties.
The game, held on Monday, ended goalless after 120 minutes. Ronaldo, who has often been Portugal’s savior, found himself struggling to breach Slovenia’s resilient defense. His 105th-minute penalty, saved by former adversary Jan Oblak, added to the drama. Yet, when it mattered in the shootout, Ronaldo confidently converted Portugal’s first spot-kick, setting the tone for their victory.
Ronaldo’s reaction to his missed penalty was one of visible anguish, reflecting his deep commitment to the national team.
“I will always do my best for this shirt, whether I fail or not,” he told RTP. “I’ve been doing this for 20 years – as you saw I missed the penalty, but I wanted to be the first to score. We have to take responsibility… you can’t be afraid, I’ve never been afraid to face things head-on.”
This victory sets up a tantalizing rematch against France in the quarter-finals, a replay of the 2016 final where Portugal claimed their first-ever European Championship despite Ronaldo’s early exit due to injury. Now at 39, Ronaldo aims to rewrite his story by leading his team past the favorites in what he acknowledges will be his last Euros.
Portugal’s coach Roberto Martinez praised Ronaldo’s enduring passion. “When you see a player, the only player to play in six Euros, with the desire and belief of a young man, those emotions are incredible,” Martinez said. “Everyone is very proud of our captain. He gives us all a lesson, to have real high standards and never give up.”
Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, remains focused on breaking his goal drought in international tournaments. With France up next, he vows to “fight until the end” as Portugal continues their quest for European glory.
