Cristiano Ronaldo redeems self as Portugal edge Slovenia to reach Euro 2024 quarter-final
Cristiano Ronaldo experienced a rollercoaster of emotions as Portugal edged past Slovenia in a penalty shootout to secure a spot in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, where they will face France.
The match, which ended in a goalless draw after extra time, saw Ronaldo miss a crucial penalty in the 105th minute, a moment that left him in tears and requiring consolation from his teammates.
Despite his earlier miss, Ronaldo redeemed himself in the shootout by converting Portugal’s first penalty. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa was the hero of the night, making three vital saves against Josip Iličić, Jure Balkovec, and Benjamin Verbič, which allowed Bernardo Silva to score the winning penalty after Bruno Fernandes had also found the net.
The match’s key moments were marked by Ronaldo’s determination and frustration. Early in the game, he appealed for a penalty following a tackle in the box and showed visible frustration as he narrowly missed connecting with crosses and free-kicks. His free-kick attempts throughout the game either flew over the bar or were easily saved by Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
In the 89th minute, Ronaldo had a golden opportunity to seal the victory in regular time but shot straight at Oblak from Diogo Jota’s pass. His disappointment peaked when Oblak saved his penalty in extra time, leading to a tearful moment for the Portuguese star.
However, Ronaldo composed himself for the shootout, scoring the first penalty for Portugal and setting the tone for the eventual victory. Costa’s exceptional performance in goal ensured Portugal’s progress to the quarter-finals, where they will meet France.
Ronaldo’s night was a testament to his resilience and determination, as he turned a moment of despair into a significant contribution to his team’s success, keeping their Euro 2024 hopes alive.
