Rafael Leao sends message to Joao Felix after penalty miss that knocked Portugal out of Euro 2024
Portugal forward Rafael Leao sent an inspiring message for Joao Felix, who missed his penalty in the Euro 2024 quarter-final shootout against France on Friday, July 5. After a goalless 120 minutes, Les Bleus won 5-3 on penalties.
Felix was the only Portugal player to miss a penalty in the shootout, while France scored all five. He took a shot on his left, but the ball hit the post and bounced away.
In the post-match press conference, Leao encouraged Felix by calling him a special talent and hoped he would bounce back.
"Learning. It's a learning experience. It will help you grow. I want to say a few words to Joao Felix, who brings different things that football doesn't have. Despite having a bad episode, he's an incredible talent and will bounce back," Leao said. (via O Jogo)
Leao also shared his feelings about penalty shootouts, explaining that they are largely dependent on luck like lotteries.
"Penalties are a lottery. Whoever was there had personality, you can't point fingers, they had a bad day, it will hurt, but you have to look at it as a learning experience and respond because it will help us in the future." he added.
Felix has taken seven penalties in his senior career (club and country combined) so far, scoring five and missing twice.
Joao Felix played just twice at Euro 2024
Joao Felix struggled to find game time with Portugal in the Euro 2024. He was included in the starting line-up only once in the tournament, during Portugal's group-stage clash against Georgia.
It was the Selecao's final group game and they had already progressed to the Round of 16 by winning their first two matches. As a result, manager Roberto Martinez made several changes to the team.
Felix's second Euro 2024 appearance came in the quarter-final clash against France when he came on as a substitute for Rafael Leao in the 106th minute. He failed to do much and even missed his penalty in the shootout.