Cristiano Ronaldo became emotional during extra time of Portugal’s Euro 2024 game against Slovenia, as he was pictured in tears after missing a penalty that would have put Roberto Martinez’s side ahead.
Ronaldo is yet to get off the mark at the 2024 European Championship, despite playing all of the Selecao’s matches thus far at the tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Performance In Euro 2024
By dint of analysis, it hasn’t been more about what Cristiano Ronaldo hasn’t done right attacking-wise, but being unable to breach a solid defense and also a motivated goalkeeper.
Ronaldo’s Penalty Miss
During the encounter against Slovenia, Atletico Madrid shot-stopper Jan Oblak appeared like the weapon fashioned against Ronaldo, as he produced several big saves to deny the ex-Manchester United man. He even saved Ronaldo’s penalty that would have given Portugal the lead or even the victory in extra time of the encounter.
Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up in the 105th minute to take a penalty awarded to Portugal but he fluffed his lines, sending the ball to the goalkeeper’s left, with Oblak making a top save to deny the Al Nassr man.
Why Was Ronaldo Crying In Portugal’s Euro 2024 Clash Against Slovenia?
He subsequently became teary due to him missing a penalty which could have hampered Portugal from going through had they not won via a shootout.
Despite the setback, the 39-year-old remains one of Portugal’s standout performers at Euro 2024, as he has combined well with his teammates and displayed his unending desire for success.
He has provided just an assist in the tournament, setting up Bruno Fernandes for the Selecao’s 3rd goal against Turkey on Saturday, June 22, 2024.
How Did Portugal Win The Euro 2024 Last 16 Game?
Portugal had to rely on the goalkeeping heroics of Diogo Costa to progress into the quarter-finals, with the FC Porto goalie saving three spot kicks during the shootout, as Roberto Martinez’s side headed into the next round with a 3-0 win over Slovenia via penalties.
This Will Be My Last Dance At The European Championship – Cristiano Ronaldo Says
Emotionally for his fans, Ronaldo broke the news that the 2024 European Championship will be his last and just like he did during the game against Slovenia, certainly some of his supporters have begun to tear up.
Speaking during a presser after the clash against Matjaz Kek side, Cristiano Ronaldo said: “This will be my last Euro, of course”.
“But I’m not moved by this, I’m moved by enthusiasm”.
Why Did Ronaldo Apologize After Scoring a Penalty Against Slovenia?
Following Ronaldo’s missed penalty in extra time, he had the opportunity to redeem himself which he did in the penalty shootout. After scoring during the shootout, Ronaldo revealed the reason for his apology gesture directed at fans of Portugal.
He said: “I was sorry for the fans. I’ll always give my best for this shirt, whether I miss it or not. And I’ll do this my whole life. You have to take responsibility”.
Interestingly, Cristiano Ronaldo has come across as a very emotional figure in recent times, having been pictured many times in tears in recent years.
This indicates that the Portuguese remains passionate about the round leather game called football despite being at the twilight of his career.
Cristiano Ronaldo In Tears During Euro 2024 Encounter
Ronaldo was also captured in viral footage gazing up at his mother, Dolores Aveiro looking to see her reaction after his penalty miss, with the pair subsequently bursting into uncontrollable tears afterward.
Who Consoled Cristiano Ronaldo When He Cried?
Close friend Diogo Dalot comforted Cristiano Ronaldo as the Portuguese was seen weeping after the penalty miss.
Does 39-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo Merit A Place Amongst Portugal’s Squad For Euro 2024?
There have been calls for him to step aside from the national team but it can be said that he merited his place amongst Portugal’s contingent for the 2024 European Championship.
He ended a record-breaking Saudi Pro League season with 35 goals in 31 matches, putting up breathtaking and clutch displays on several occasions.
Ronaldo also ended up as the second top-scorer during the qualifiers, with 10 goals, 4 behind Belgian great Romelu Lukaku.
Certainly, this shows that Cristiano Ronaldo merited a place in Roberto Martinez’s setup and was not done a favor by being included in Portugal’s squad for the tournament.
Ronaldo also touched on his never-say-die attitude, stressing his ability to face and tackle challenges head-on.
The former Real Madrid man said: “As you saw, I missed the penalty but I also wanted to be the first to score, you have to take responsibility when the team should.
“You can’t be afraid, I’ve never been afraid to face things head-on, sometimes I get it right, sometimes I don’t get it right, but giving up is something you’ll never hear from my name.”
The football icon will surely be missed when he decides to call time on his career, as he has given his all to football and has also received much in return from the sport.
When Will Cristiano Ronaldo Retire And Will He Remain As Portugal’s Designated Penalty Taker?
It is uncertain when he will retire and likewise after missing a spot kick against Slovenia, it is unknown if he will remain Portugal’s designated spot kick taker.
However, you can’t bet against him remaining their primary taker, having atoned for his errors by converting his penalty expertly during the shootout.
Ronaldo’s Fan Base
Cristiano Ronaldo’s stellar showing over 2 decades has seen him organically own an army of supporters, who revere and consider him to be the greatest footballer ever.
The 39-year-old has nearly a billion followers across his social media accounts and he is well loved by many globally.
He has won several trophies in his career, including; 1 UEFA European Championship, 5 UEFA Champions League, and 4 FIFA Club World Cups.
Didi Hammann Slams Cristiano Ronaldo For Being Selfish During Portugal’s Euro 2024 Game Against Slovenia
Meanwhile, German great Didi Hammann has also bashed Ronaldo, expressing that the attacker acts selfishly.
Hammann stated that Cristiano Ronaldo should inform manager Roberto Martinez, if he feels he cannot help Portugal anymore.
Didi Hammann said: “I fell into the trap of Ronaldo the team player. I think he probably would have squared (to Fernandes against Turkey) it 10 or 15 years ago because I think he has to square that ball.
“I think he quite enjoyed it as he contributed to the goal and team’s success, but you almost had a feeling he thought, ‘I’ve been a team player for three games, it’s not really my thing’. He took every shot on (against Slovenia).”
The 50-year-old added: “He just thinks it is about himself. If he doesn’t feel that he can help the team anymore, he’s got to say to the manager, ‘you’ve got to take me off.
“This is the most embarrassing, the most ridiculous decision I have ever seen…I’ve not seen it of anyone.”
Cristiano Ronaldo Stats
Ronaldo has made 1013 club appearances thus far in his career, scoring 759 goals and providing 238 assists across all competitions.
Internationally, Cristiano Ronaldo has made 211 appearances for Portugal, scoring 130 goals and providing 47 assists.
Who Will Portugal Face In The Last 8?
Roberto Martinez’s side face France in the last 8 (quarter-finals) on Friday, July 5, 2024, and it will be interesting to see how they fare in the encounter.
However, the buzz around that fixture will obviously revolve around Kylian Mbappe and his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, as fans look to see, who will get the better of each other.
Can Portugal Qualify For The Semi-finals And Subsequently Win Euro 2024?
Portugal have an equal chance like France of going through, as Didier Deschamps’ side have also not been impressive thus far in Euro 2024.
Les Blues were shaky all through the group stage and 2 out of their 3 goals at the tournament have been through penalties, with Mbappe netting the other from the spot against Poland in their final group stage game of the 2024 European Championship.
Portugal have looked more impressive than France, although they would have to exude unparalleled potency to win Euro 2024.
Hopefully for fans of Cristiano Ronaldo, the 39-year-old will bow out of the tournament on a high by clinching the continental prize.
