WATCH: Cristiano Ronaldo endures roller-coaster of emotions during win over Slovenia including missed penalty in extra-time and shootout redemption
Cristiano Ronaldo was a bag of emotions in his country's UEFA Euro 2024 round of 16 win against Slovenia on Monday (July 1). It was Roberto Martinez's side that eventually progressed on penalties (3-0) after playing out a goalless draw.
The 39-year-old striker put away his spot kick in the shootout but missed a penalty in extra-time that would have put his side ahead. He was seemingly disappointed with his effort in the 103rd minute and appeared to apologize for that moment after scoring in the shootout.
Even in the first half, Ronaldo nearly got his head to a couple of looping crosses and reacted angrily after not being able to put them away. With another goalless outing, the Al-Nassr man is yet to score in this year's European Championships.
The former Manchester United forward also shelled a couple of free-kick opportunities from good range. Overall, he recorded an 89% passing accuracy and took seven shots, out of which four were on target.
Ronaldo completed one of his three attempted dribbles and hit the woodwork on one occasion. He came out on the right side of the result in two out of five ground duels while winning two of his seven aerial battles throughout the contest.
Despite failing to hit the net so far in this tournament, Ronaldo will be expected to lead the line for Portugal in the quarter-final. They've got a tricky challenge up next when they take on France on Friday (July 5).
Roberto Martinez reacts to Cristiano Ronaldo stepping up after missed penalty
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez praised Cristiano Ronaldo's resilience after the latter stepped up to take his team's first penalty in the shootout. This came after the striker missed from the spot in extra-time.
This time around, the former Real Madrid star converted to put his country ahead in the shootout. Speaking about Ronaldo's character after the game, Martinez said (via The Guardian):
"I was certain that he would be the first penalty taker and show us the way to take victory. I think we're all very proud of our captain. Our dressing room was all delighted. I think he gave us all a life lesson."
"Life and football gives you difficult moments and the way he reacted shows why we are so proud in Portuguese football."
Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa was named the Man of the Match for producing three saves in the shootout to ensure that his country progressed in the competition.