Breaking: Cristiano Ronaldo in tears after missing penalty in extra-time vs Slovenia during Euro 2024 Round of 16 clashÂ
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was reduced to tears after missing a penalty for Portugal vs Slovenia at Euro 2024. The 39-year-old stepped up to take the spot-kick toward the end of the first half of extra-time after a foul on Diogo Jota.
Ronaldo, who is yet to score at the tournament, attempted to bury his shot to the right from the spot. However, Jan Oblak guessed the right way and pulled off an incredible save to keep Slovenia in the contest.
The Portuguese superstar broke down after being denied by Oblak and had to be consoled by his teammates before the start of the second half in extra-time.
Both teams are still locked at 0-0 and are just minutes away from penalties. Slovenia head coach Matjaz Kek also received a direct red card at the end of the half.
Ronaldo will be hoping to put his team in front, but it could be a tall order considering how resolute Slovenia have been at the back. The Al-Nassr forward has not been at his best against Slovenia. His frustration glaringly stood out all throughout the game.
Cristiano Ronaldo redeems himself in penalty shootout and Portugal book their Euro 2024 quarter-final berth
Benjamin Sesko had a golden opportunity to put the game to bed in the dying embers after an error from Pepe. Fortunately for Portugal, the RB Leipzig striker failed to beat Diogo Costa with his effort.
Portugal and Slovenia then moved to penalties with a place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 at stake. Cristiano was among the penalty-takers and converted his spot-kick in the shootout.
Diogo Costa denied three straight attempts from Slovenia to help Portugal qualify for the quarter-finals, where they face France. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner will breathe a sigh of relief, thanks to the heroics from the Portugal goalkeeper.
Ronaldo confirmed after the game that the 2024 European Championship will be the last time he will appear in this competition. He will be desperate to leave his mark in the quarter-final clash scheduled to take place on Friday.
Notably, Ronaldo is the leading goal-scorer and has the joint-highest number of assists in the history of the European Championship. He was also the captain when Portugal lifted the trophy against France back in 2016.