"Someone has to fail for someone else to win" - Bernardo Silva sends message to Joao Felix after penalty miss that led to Portugal’s Euro 2024 exit
Portugal star Bernardo Silva has thrown his weight behind teammate Joao Felix after the latter missed his penalty in their Euro 2024 quarter-final loss against France on Friday (July 5). The 2018 World Cup winners won 5-3 on penalties and will take on Spain in the semi-finals on Tuesday (July 9).
Both teams had a pretty sedate start to their quarter-final clash. Despite creating a few chances here and there, neither team was able to convert. Naturally, all eyes were on Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, neither of the two made a dent in the outcome of the game. Ronaldo scored his penalty in the shootout, but it served as mere consolation.
Mbappe was subbed off before the shootout, owing to a whack to the head he had suffered earlier in the game. Both teams had cagey chances, but Portugal seemed to be in an imminent position to take the lead.
France goalkeeper Mike Maignan turned away attempts from Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes before Ruben Dias diverted an effort from France's Randal Kolo Muani just inches wide.
Eduardo Camavinga should have put France ahead moments later when he pulled a close-range strike past the far post. Be that as it may, the match went into penalties, with both teams slotting their first two strikes. Felix, who was tasked with taking the third penalty, ended up hitting the post.
Reacting to his penalty miss, Manchester City player Bernardo Silva said he faced something similar when he missed his penalty against Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League earlier this year (April 17).
Here's what Silva said (via Ojogo):
"I went through that relatively recently, when we were knocked out of the Champions League and only those who take it fail. The fact that he took on the responsibility and carried that weight, we know how difficult it is and we all feel the pressure at these times. Someone has to fail for someone else to win, it was João’s turn and we are all behind him."
Bernardo Silva was tasked with taking the second penalty and slotted it home comfortably. Ronaldo took the first penalty for Portugal in the shootout.
Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic missed their penalties against Real Madrid in Champions League QF
Manchester City entered the tie as the favorites. After a 3-3 draw in the first leg of the quarter-finals, Los Blancos took the lead in the second leg through Rodrygo in the 12th minute.
However, Kevin de Bruyne nullified their lead after slotting one home in the 76th minute of the game. The match ultimately went to penalties, with neither team being able to capitalize in extra time.
Luka Modric missed the first penalty for the 15-time Champions League winners, allowing Manchester City to take the initial lead through Julian Alvarez's spot-kick.
Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva missed their penalties, allowing Real Madrid to take the lead and win 4-3 on penalties. The Los Blancos overcame Bayern Munich in the semi-finals and defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the final.