“He showed that in life and football there are difficult moments” - Roberto Martinez reacts to Cristiano Ronaldo crying after missed penalty
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez reacted to Cristiano Ronaldo being in tears after missing a crucial penalty against Slovenia in the 105th minute. The Portuguese was spotted crying on pitch after missing the penalty but turned things around by scoring the first spot-kick during the tie-breaker shootout.
Speaking in the post-match interview as relayed by O'Jogo, Martinez lauded Cristiano Ronaldo for his mental strength. He explained how the Portugal captain showed the team what to do when things do not go well.
"Ronaldo missed the penalty and then was decisive in starting the tiebreaker, he set the stage and it was a victory for unity, for the dressing room.
"Cris is our captain and he showed that in life and in football there are difficult moments but we cannot give up, he showed what to do when things don't go well."
Martinez has spoken about his faith in Ronaldo multiple times in the past, including defending his selection in the Portugal squad. The Al-Nassr star has been the only constant outfield starter for Martinez throughout all Portugal games in Euro 2024.
Apart from Ronaldo, Martinez also spoke highly about the efforts of goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who made three crucial saves in the penalty shootout, leading Portugal to victory.
“Portugal's secret was Diogo Costa. Today I think he reached a different level, in the situation of one [at the end of extra time] to one it was incredible and then he had the focus and quality to make three consecutive saves, we are very proud”. he added (via Ojogo)
Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva scored for the Selecao in the shootout as they reached the quarter finals. They will face France in the Euro 2024 quarter final on Friday.
When Roberto Martinez reacted to Cristiano Ronaldo's assist to Bruno Fernandes against Turkey
The Portugal coach has never shied away from applauding Cristiano Ronaldo and his contribution to the team. Martinez was all praises for the Al-Nassr star after the forward delivered a solid performance in Portugal's 3-0 win against Turkey in the Euro 2024 group stages.
Following that match, Martinez reacted to Ronaldo's 55th minute assist to Bruno Fernandes, suggesting that it should be shown in training academies across the world to set an example.
"About Cristiano Ronaldo, today I saw something spectacular. In front of the goalkeeper, he preferred to pass to Bruno Fernandes. This should be shown in all training academies in Portugal and the world," Martinez said.
Ronaldo received showers of praise from pundits and fans alike for his assist to Fernandes against Turkey, particularly for his selflessness. From his position on the right side of the goal, everyone expected Cristiano Ronaldo to take the shot.
However, he stunned the crowd and goalkeeper Altay Bayindir by delivering a smooth pass to Fernandes on his left, who received the ball and found the back of the net.
While Ronaldo has been criticized for his otherwise underwhelming show at the Euro 2024 so far, he helped his team by letting go of personal records at that moment.