“Unexplainable moments” - Cristiano Ronaldo describes feeling on Instagram after Portugal's dramatic win over Slovenia on penalties
Cristiano Ronaldo described his feelings via an Instagram post after Portugal's Round of 16 victory against Slovenia on Monday, July 1. With the match goalless even after extra time, the 2016 champions managed to win 3-0 on penalties to advance to the quarter-finals.
Portugal had their moments to break the deadlock before the shootout, and the best of them fell to Ronaldo. In the first half of extra time, the Selecao were awarded a penalty, and their talismanic skipper stepped up to take the resultant spot-kick.
Unfortunately, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner had his shot saved by Jan Oblak. Ronaldo looked dejected after this miss, which could have cost his country a place in the quarter-finals.
However, showing character and resilience, the former Manchester United superstar stepped up to take Portugal's first penalty in the shootout. This time, he converted and put his team ahead while apologizing for the earlier miss.
The Al-Nassr ace's efforts helped his team win the shootout, but Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa was the star with three saves. After the match, Ronaldo wrote on his Instagram account while posting a series of pictures from the night.
"Unexplainable moments. Let's give it our all! Thank you," he wrote.
Ronaldo is yet to score in the ongoing European Championships. He will be hoping to get on the scoresheet when Portugal face France in the quarter-finals on Friday, July 5.
Cristiano Ronaldo reacts to his penalty miss vs Slovenia
Cristiano Ronaldo spoke about his missed penalty in extra time during an on-field interview after his team beat Slovenia on penalties. He said (via ESPN):
"That's what football is. Moments, inexplicablele moments. A direct shot to give the team the lead. I didn't manage it. Oblak made a good save."
"I have to see the penalty, I dont' know if I shot well or badly, but I haven't missed one all year, and when I needed it most, Oblak saved it," Ronaldo added.
Against Slovenia, Ronaldo took seven shots, out of which four found the target. He hit the post once and did not make any key passes in the Round of 16 game.