Cristiano Ronaldo explains why he did not back down from taking first kick during win over Slovenia on penalties despite missing earlier
After Cristiano Ronaldo missed a chance in the second half of extra time, he decided to "take responsibility" by converting the first penalty during the shootout in Portugal's Euro 2024 clash against Slovenia on Monday (July 1). Portugal reached the quarter-finals by defeating Slovenia on penalties after the first 120 minutes ended in a goalless draw in the Round of 16.
However, the game could have been won in the 105th minute when a foul on Diogo Jota gave Portugal a chance to convert from the spot. Ronaldo could be seen in tears after missing the shot. Despite the heartbreak, the Portuguese superstar was the first to step up when the game went to the penalty shootouts. This time, he buried the ball in the left corner of the net, beyond the reach of a diving Jan Oblak, who couldn't touch the ball despite guessing correctly.
In the press conference after the game, the Portuguese captain talked about his decision to take the first spot kick despite failing to convert the penalty during open play. The 39-year-old said (via Ojogo):
"I missed the penalty but I wanted to be the first to score, because you have to take responsibility. I've never been afraid to face such things."
Ronaldo also missed three freekicks during the game but was ultimately saved by the heroics of Diogo Costa between the sticks. The Portuguese goalkeeper pulled off a hat-trick of saves during the penalty shootout to catapult Portugal into the quarter-finals. Cristiano Ronaldo and company will now face Kylian Mbappe's France in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on Friday (July 5).
"My last European Championship" - Cristiano Ronaldo on Euro 2024
In the same press conference after Portugal's victory against Slovenia, Cristiano Ronaldo also confirmed that he will not play in the next iteration of the European Championships.
The Portuguese talisman explained that football makes him emotional because of the joy it brings to the hearts of the people, especially his supporters, friends, and family.
"It is without a doubt my last European Championship. But I don't get emotional about that. I get emotional about everything that football involves. Because of the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm of seeing my supporters, my family, the affection that people have for me," Ronaldo said.
In all, Ronaldo has taken part in six different iterations of the tournament and has scored a record 14 goals in 26 appearances. He also led Portugal to victory in Euro 2016 under manager Fernando Santos.