Portugal survive CR7’s penalty miss
FRANKFURT: Cristiano Ronaldo went from tears to cheers as the Portugal star recovered from missing a penalty during extratime to score in his side’s dramatic shoot-out win over Slovenia in the Euro 2024 last 16 on Monday.
Ronaldo had a chance to put Portugal ahead late in the first period of extra-time in a tense, goalless tie in Frankfurt.
The 39-year-old stepped up to take the spot-kick after a foul on Diogo Jota, but his effort was superbly saved by Jan Oblak.
After scoring his previous 29 penalties, Ronaldo was visibly stunned to see Oblak keep out his shot and held his head in disbelief.
Seconds later the whistle went for half-time in extra-time and that was the signal for Ronaldo to start openly weeping as he stood in a huddle of Portugal players.
Consoled by teammate Joao Palhinha, Ronaldo was able to wipe away his tears and continue playing when the match resumed.
Portugal fans sang “Viva Ronaldo”
after his emotional outburst was shown on the big screen in the Frankfurt Arena.
Former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Ronaldo regained his composure in time for the shoot-out and got a measure of revenge as he scored the opening kick to put Portugal on course for victory.
After aiming to Oblak’s left for his penalty during extra-time, he opted to go to the right in the shoot-out and squeezed his effort into the corner.
Holding up his hands to the Portugal supporters in a gesture of apology for his earlier miss, Ronaldo was clearly relieved as he walked back to join his teammates on the halfway line.
“Slovenia spent the whole game defending and when that happens, it all becomes difficult,” Ronaldo said.
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez saluted Ronaldo’s refusal to let his meltdown ruin his focus in the shoot-out.
“We have to keep going. It was a demonstration of what to do when things aren’t going well.”