Portugal goalkeeper No. 1 Rui Patricio (left) consoles Portugal forward No. 7 Cristiano Ronaldo after a missed penalty during the UEFA Euro 2024 round of 16 football match between Portugal and Slovenia at the Frankfurt Arena in Frankfurt am Main on July 1, 2024. (Photo: AFP)
FRANKFURT (Germany) (AFP) — Tears turned to cheers as Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty in extra time but then recovered to score and give his team a dramatic penalty shootout win over Slovenia in the first round of the Euro 2024 knockout stages on Monday.
In a tense, goalless match in Frankfurt, Ronaldo had a chance to put Portugal ahead late in the first half of extra time.
The 39-year-old took the penalty following a foul on Diogo Jota, but his shot was well saved by Jan Oblak.
Ronaldo, who has scored 29 penalties so far, was visibly stunned when Oblak’s shot was saved and held his head in disbelief.
Seconds later, the whistle blew to end the first half of extra time, which was the signal for Ronaldo, standing amongst the group of Portugal players, to begin crying openly.
Consoling himself with teammate Joao Parinha, Ronaldo wiped away tears and was able to play on after the restart.
Portugal’s fans sang “Viva Ronaldo” after Ronaldo’s emotional outburst was shown on the giant screen at the Frankfurt Arena.
Former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Ronaldo regained his composure in time for the penalty shootout, scoring the opening goal to give Portugal victory and get a measure of revenge.
For the penalty in extra time, he aimed to Oblak’s left, but in the shootout he chose to shoot to the right and into the top corner.
Ronaldo raised his hands to the Portuguese fans in a gesture of apologise for his earlier mistake and returned to his teammates at the halfway line looking visibly relieved.
Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved three penalties to ensure Ronaldo’s full recovery and set up a crucial quarter-final clash with France for Roberto Martinez’s side.
“First it was sadness, then joy. That’s what football gives you, inexplicable moments, a little bit of everything,” Ronaldo said.
“We haven’t made any mistakes this year and Oblak saved us when we needed it most.
“Slovenia were on the defensive the whole game and that makes everything difficult.”
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez praised Ronaldo for not panicking or losing focus during the penalty shootout.
“Ronaldo missed the penalty but he was decisive when he started the shootout and paved the way,” Martinez said.
“It was a victory of unity from the dressing room. Cristiano is our captain and he has shown us that there are difficult moments in life and in football and that we must never give up.”
“We have to keep moving forward. This was an example of what to do when things aren’t going well.”
