Portugal is through to the quarterfinals of UEFA Euro 2024 in a night filled with drama and tears, especially from their superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
World no. 6 Portugal needed the penalty shootout to advance against world no. 55 Slovenia after both teams went scoreless until the extra time.
Ronaldo's team could have created a separation in the 105th minute, but he missed the penalty kick awarded to his team, leading to his emotional outburst in the middle of the field.
All eyes were on Ronaldo after the play. He was seen crying and feeling apologetic for missing the penalty. He continues to be without a goal in the competition.
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He addressed the fans in a praying gesture. His mother was also shown crying on the screen because of the missed penalty.
"Sometimes it's hard and difficult to score penalties," he emotionally said in an interview with RTP after the match.
"I've scored more than 200 penalties in my career. Sometimes it's a mess."
Ronaldo explains emotions after the match
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner acknowledged that his miss could have made things easier for his team.
He also defended his emotions on the field after the game.
"Even the strongest people have their [bad] days. I was at rock bottom when the team needed me the most," said Ronaldo before tearing up again.
"Sadness at the start is joy at the end. That's what football is. Moments, inexplicable moments. I feel sad and happy at the same time.
"But the important thing is to enjoy it. The team did an extraordinary job. We fought right to the end and I think we deserved it because we had more authority."
Portugal can heave a sigh of relief for now, but the next match will be just as difficult with tournament favorites France waiting for them.
Costa defends Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo has been criticized for his poor play in the ongoing Euro 2024 and said that father time has caught up with him.
They also think he is slowing down the squad for insisting on a bigger role.
Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa wants to hear none of it as he still believes in CR7's ability to deliver.
"We all know that Cris is the hardest worker. I understand how frustrated he is," Costa said. "For me, it's an honor to play on the same team."
Ronaldo and Costa teamed up to save their team in the end. The latter saved Slovenia's first shot in the penalty shootout, and CR7 converted his shot to set the tone. Costa then saved the next two.
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be goalless in the competition. If he does score, he will be the oldest player to score in Euro at 39 years old.
Portugal needs him to rediscover his form against the younger France led by Kylian Mbappe.
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