Cristiano Ronaldo expressed mixed emotions of ‘sadness and joy’ after missing a penalty in Portugal’s shootout win over Slovenia on Monday night, which left him in tears.
The game remained goalless through regular time, but Portugal were awarded a penalty for a foul on Diogo Jota early in extra time.
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Ronaldo’s penalty was saved by Slovenia’s goalkeeper, Jan Oblak. As the half-time whistle for extra time blew, Ronaldo was seen in tears during Portugal’s team huddle.
His teammate Diogo Dalot comforted the 39-year-old as they returned to the field for the second half of extra time.
With no goals in extra time, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout. Slovenia missed all three of their penalties, saved by Diogo Costa.
Ronaldo successfully converted Portugal’s first penalty, gesturing to the fans in what appeared to be an apology for his earlier miss.
Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva scored their penalties, securing a victory that advances Portugal to a Euro 2024 quarter-final against France this Friday at 8pm.
When asked how he felt after the shootout, Ronaldo told Sport TV: ‘Even the strongest people have their days, I was down and I was sad because the team needed me.
‘Initial sadness and joy at the end, that’s what football brings, inexplicable moments, from the eighth minute to the 80th, that’s what happens.
‘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, and when I needed it most Oblak saved.
‘It’s a feeling of sadness and joy at the same time, but the most important thing is progressing, the team deserved it.
‘Slovenia spent almost the entire time defending and when it’s like that it’s very difficult, the team deserves congratulations, especially our goalkeeper who made three good saves.’
In another interview with RTP, Ronaldo added: ‘It is without a doubt my last European Championship. But I don’t get emotional about that, I get emotional about everything that football involves.
‘Because of the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm of seeing my supporters, my family, the affection that people have for me. It’s not about leaving football, because if I do, what else would I need to do or win? It won’t be about getting one more point or one less point. Making people happy is what motivates me the most.
‘We have a tough game now against France, who are one of the favourites to win.
‘But we’re going to war, the team is doing well and I’ll always give my best in this shirt. I missed the penalty but I wanted to be the first to score, because you have to take responsibility. I’ve never been afraid to face the usual things.’
