Portugal narrowly secured their spot in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout win against Slovenia. The match ended in a goalless draw after 120 minutes, with Portugal emerging victorious in the shootout.
Cristiano Ronaldo experienced a rollercoaster of emotions during the match. In the 105th minute, he missed a penalty, a moment that left him in tears on the field. However, he redeemed himself during the shootout by scoring Portugal’s first penalty. After converting his shot, Ronaldo apologized to the Portugal fans for his earlier miss.
The last time Cristiano missed a penalty at the European Championship Portugal went on to win the tournament. pic.twitter.com/Vz3Oqv3Ux7
— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) July 1, 2024
“This will be my last Euro, of course” Ronaldo stated after the match. “But I’m not moved by this, I’m moved by enthusiasm. I was sorry for the fans. I’ll always give my best for this shirt, whether I miss it or not. And I’ll do this my whole life. You have to take responsibility.”
Ronaldo’s penalty miss was a special moment in Euro history, making him the first player to miss penalties at two separate European Championships. He previously missed against Austria in 2016, the year Portugal ultimately won the tournament.
Portugal’s hero was undoubtedly Diogo Costa, who was named Player of the Match. Costa made history by becoming the first goalkeeper to save three penalties at the Euros. Portugal will meet France in the quarter-finals, offering us the chance to watch the show between Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe.