“Lift your head my king” - Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister defends Portugal captain after emotional penalty miss vs Slovenia, shares heartfelt message
Cristiano Ronaldo's sister, Katia Aveiro defended the legendary Portugal striker after he missed a crucial penalty in Euro 2024 game against Slovenia and then burst into tears. With both sides failing to break the deadlock in the Round-of-16 clash, the Selecao came out victorious through the penalty shootout.
Ronaldo got a big chance to see the game through from 12 yards in the 105th minute after Vanja Drkusic brought down Diogo Jota in the penalty area. He fired at the bottom corner, but goalkeeper Jan Oblak dived to make a brilliant save and keep the game goalless.
Cristiano Ronaldo was visibly shaken by the miss and burst into tears. His Portugal teammates tried to console him during the half-time break of extra time. The legendary forward made amendments, however, scoring in the shootout to help his side win 3-0.
His sister took to her Instagram to share her joy for the eventual win, while defending him. She wrote:
"Step back... gain momentum and win... It's always been part of it... You are great... What pride for our team, what pride for you. Thank you Ronaldo. Thank you boys..."
In another Instagram story, she added:
"Lift your head, my king..."
The Selecao eventually won the game, thanks to goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who saved all three penalties he faced in the shootout.
Cristiano Ronaldo confirms final Euros appearance with Portugal after close-shave win against Slovenia
It was hard work for the Selecao, who couldn't execute their game plan against a rock-solid Slovenia defense. They needed a penalty shootout to qualify for the quarterfinals of Euro 2024, and this will also be a cause for concern for Ronaldo.
The legendary striker has failed to score a single goal in the competition so far and missed a golden chance to score from the spot. Speaking after the game, Cristiano Ronaldo told the press that this would be his last European Championship, saying (via Sports Mole):
"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..."
Cristiano Ronaldo will hope to score against France in Portugal's quarterfinal or risk dropping out of the competition without a goal to his name.