Portugal secured their place in the quarter finals of the 2024 European Championship, beating Slovakia 3-0 on penalties.
However, the victory could have been secured in the first half of extra time when Portugal were given a penalty only for Cristiano Ronaldo to step up and lose.
Slovakia goalkeeper Jan Oblak guessed correctly, diving to his left to prompt uncontrollable emotion from Ronaldo at half-time of extra time.
Jan Oblak of Slovenia saves the penalty kick from Cristiano Ronaldo (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Speaking after the match, Ronaldo explained that his desire to make his supporters, friends and family proud was the reason he burst into tears.
“I could have given the national team the advantage, but I didn’t manage it, Oblak saved. I didn’t miss once during the year, [but] when I needed it most, Oblak saved,” Ronaldo said after full-time.
“It’s a feeling of sadness and joy at the same time, but the most important thing is the progress, the team deserved it.
The Al Nassr forward went on to aim dig at Slovakia game plan.
“Slovenia spent almost the entire time defending, the team deserves congratulations, especially our goalkeeper who made three good saves [in the penalty shoot-out].
“Even the strongest people have their days, I was down and I was sad because the team needed me… I can’t do it, I’ll talk later, I’ll talk later.”
Ronaldo has recorded 20 shots at Euro 2024 so far, more than any other player, and is yet to score during an unprecedented international goal drought.
