Portugal may have progressed through to the quarterfinals of the Euros but it wasn’t a cakewalk for the 2016 winners. In fact, in the lead up to the penalty shootout, they looked lost for answers – unable to score against Slovenia, who were playing in their first European Championships in 24 years.
A critical moment in the contest came late in the first half of the extra time when Cristiano Ronaldo was denied from the penalty spot by Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak. Shortly after, the Portuguese captain was seen in tears as the team huddled ahead of the second half of the extra time.
Opening up on his emotions, Ronaldo conceded afterwards, “Even the strongest people have their bad days. I was at rock bottom when the team needed me most. I was sad at first but now I’m happy. That’s what football is. Moments, inexplicable moments.
“I didn’t make a single mistake this year and when I was needed the most, Oblak saved it. At this moment I missed it, but the most important thing is that the team won. I lost twice on penalties this season and won the third time. Sometimes football is fair and sometimes just, but we deserved to qualify. I will always give my best for this shirt, whether I fail or not, but you have to take responsibility. I have never been afraid to face things head on. Sometimes I do things right, sometimes I don’t, but giving up is something you will never hear from me,” Ronaldo added.
The 39-year-old would step up to take the penalty in the shootout, and scored the first of three penalties for Portugal that decided the Round of 16 fixture.
“It is, without doubt, my last European Championship,” Ronaldo told O Jogo. “But I’m not emotional about that. I’m moved by all that football means – by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm for seeing my supporters, my family, the affection people have for me.”
Soccer Football – Euro 2024 – Round of 16 – Portugal v Slovenia – Frankfurt Arena, Frankfurt, Germany – July 1, 2024 Portugal coach Roberto Martinez and Cristiano Ronaldo celebrate after the match. (REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach)
Portuguese manager Roberto Martinez also spoke highly of the talisman following his side’s win in Frankfurt, stating that Ronaldo scoring from the spot on a second go was an inspiration.
“I thanked him for being the way he is, for caring for the group. I was certain that he would be the first penalty taker and show us the way to take victory. I think we’re all very proud of our captain. Our dressing room was all delighted. I think he gave us all a lesson. Life and football gives you difficult moments and the way he reacted shows why we are so proud in Portuguese football,” Martinez said.
Former England captain Alan Shearer also praised Ronaldo for his mental strength.
“It’s hard enough going up to take a penalty anyway, but taking one in that situation when you’ve just missed a penalty at such a crucial time… unbelievable,” Shearer said on BBC One. “This is why they are great players – because they have great mental strength.”
