Cristiano Ronaldo apologises to Portugal fans after converting penalty in shootout win over Slovenia during Euro 2024 knockout clash
Cristiano Ronaldo apologised to Portugal fans after converting the first penalty in their Euro 2024 penalty shootout win in the Round of 16 against Slovenia in Hamburg on Monday (July 1).
He did so for missing a penalty in extra time, with Jan Oblak producing a superb save. He joined hands in apology towards the crowd as he walked out after converting his effort in the shootout, though.
After a goalless draw in 90 minutes, Portugal were awarded a penalty in the 105th minute after Vanja Drkusic had fouled Diego Jota in the box.
Ronaldo stepped up but was denied by the experienced Oblak who dived to his left to keep the game goalless. Portugal, though, had the last laugh, as they made the Euro 2024 quarterfinal after Diogo Costa produced a generational performance to save three consecutive penalties from Slovenia.
On the other side, Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva stepped up to convert their efforts against Oblak, leading their country to the next round. The Selecao next face France in the quarterfinal on July 5 at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg.
Cristiano Ronaldo speaks about missed penalty vs Slovenia in Euro 2024
Speaking to SportTV after the match, Cristiano Ronaldo spoke candidly about his feelings about his missed penalty against Slovenia. The Portuguese admitted that he cannot judge how good his shot was, elaborating:
"Initial sadness and final joy. That's what football brings. Inexplicable moments, eight and eighty, that's what happened today. I had the opportunity to give the national team an advantage, I didn't manage it, I have to review it, I don't know if I shot well or badly." Cristiano said.
Ronaldo also mentioned that Portugal deserved to win the Euro 2024 Round of 16 clash against Slovenia, as the opposition spent most of their time defending while the Selecao fashioned more opportunities to score.
"I didn't miss once during the year and, when they needed it most, Oblak saved. Feelings of joy and sadness, the most important thing is to enjoy the passage.
"Portugal deserved it, because we had more opportunities and Slovenia spent the whole game defending. Congratulations to the whole team, especially the goalkeeper."
Cristiano Ronaldo specifically congratulated Diogo Costa, as the Portuguese goalkeeper gave an iconic performance during the shootout with three crucial saves.
Cristiano Ronaldo will look to give his best in the Portugal shirt and go to war against Les Blues as he looks to open his Euro 2024 account and lead his team to the title.