Cristiano Ronaldo’s tears turned from despair to joy as Portugal overcame Slovenia in a dramatic penalty shootout to advance to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. The Portuguese legend, who had earlier missed a crucial extra-time penalty, redeemed himself by scoring in the shootout, where goalkeeper Diogo Costa made history with three saves. The 39-year-old Ronaldo,
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s tears turned from despair to joy as Portugal overcame Slovenia in a dramatic penalty shootout to advance to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
The Portuguese legend, who had earlier missed a crucial extra-time penalty, redeemed himself by scoring in the shootout, where goalkeeper Diogo Costa made history with three saves.
The 39-year-old Ronaldo, who announced this would be his last European Championship, saw his initial penalty tipped onto the post by Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak. The miss left Ronaldo devastated, head bowed and in tears, as his teammates rushed to console him with Slovenia on the brink of causing a major upset.
However, just 15 minutes later, Ronaldo stepped up once more to fire in the first of Portugal’s shootout kicks, setting the tone for an extraordinary comeback. Costa’s heroics between the posts ensured Portugal’s survival and set up a quarter-final clash with France, a repeat of the 2016 final.
Reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster, Ronaldo said, “Even the strongest people have their bad days. I was at rock bottom when the team needed me the most.” Overwhelmed by emotion, he added, “Sadness at the start is joy at the end. That’s what football is. Moments, inexplicable moments.
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“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’s dramatic victory was a testament to their resilience and determination. They now prepare to face France, hoping to replicate their success from the 2016 edition when they emerged as champions.
The match against France will undoubtedly be a high-stakes encounter, with Ronaldo and his teammates seeking to continue their quest for glory in what could be the legendary forward’s final major international tournament.
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