Cristiano Ronaldo experienced a rollercoaster of emotions during Portugal’s round of 16 match against Slovenia at Euro 2024, first with bitter tears of loss followed by sweet laugh of Victory.
The captain’s penalty in the first half of extra time was saved by goalkeeper Jan Oblak, leaving Ronaldo in tears as the ball was tipped onto the post.
The 39-year-old had stepped up to the spot after Vanja Drkusic fouled Diogo Jota in the box, with the score still locked at 0-0. Despite his missed opportunity to break the deadlock and secure a quarter-final spot against France, Ronaldo’s determination was evident.
As the teams reached the halfway point of extra time, Ronaldo was consoled by teammate Bruno Fernandes, visibly distraught by the missed penalty. The emotional moment passed, and Portugal’s resilience shone through.
In the second half of extra time, Slovenia’s Benjamin Sesko had a prime chance to score, but Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa made a crucial save, keeping the game goalless.
The match proceeded to a penalty shoot-out, where Costa’s save of Slovenia’s first penalty set the stage for Ronaldo’s redemption. Stepping up for his second spot-kick of the night, Ronaldo coolly slotted the ball past Oblak, helping Portugal secure a triumphant victory and a place in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.
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