Redemption for Ronaldo tearful in ‘last euros’

When Jan Oblak’s hand deflected Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty onto the post in extra time, the Portuguese legend’s dreams crumbled in an instant.

He had “hit rock bottom.”

The 39-year-old, who later told Portuguese media that this was his last Euro, hung his head and began to cry as his team-mates rushed to console their captain, as Slovenia threatened one of the biggest shocks ever in the tournament. Euro.

A legendary European Championship career seemed destined to end in the cruelest way.

Ronaldo’s penalty was saved in extra time as the round of 16 played out goalless, but just 15 minutes later he rose to the same spot to kick his country’s first penalty shootout.

Goalkeeper Diogo Costa made Euro history with three saves in the penalty shootout as Portugal survived a humiliating elimination, surpassing Slovenia to set up a quarter-final tie with France.

More tears fell from Ronaldo – this time of pure joy and relief.

“Even the strongest people have their [bad] days. I was at rock bottom when the team needed me most,” Ronaldo said afterwards, before crying again.

“Sadness at the beginning is joy at the end. That’s football. 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 until the end and I think we deserved it because we had more authority.”

‘He shouldn’t be crying’

Portugal’s talisman experienced every emotion imaginable in 120 minutes.

He has yet to score at Euro 2024 and was in the spotlight throughout the match, showing his emotions and frustrations after missing numerous chances.

His arrival was met with great fanfare from the Portugal fans – the same fans who chanted his name when his penalty was saved by Oblak.

On the other side, Slovenian fans jeered, fired flares, beat drums and celebrated every time their efforts missed the mark.

Despite 20 shots on goal in the tournament – the most by any player – he has yet to score. To make matters worse, he has missed three of his nine penalties in major tournaments.

“We all know that Cristiano works the hardest,” said goalkeeper Costa, who was the hero of the night.

“I understand how frustrated he is because he dedicates all his time to this. It’s a pleasure and an honor to be on the same team as him.

“We are a family, I think about that a lot. Focus on making the most of these chances and wanted to help the team.

“This is probably the best game of my life.”

As his frustration grew throughout the night, Ronaldo fell to his knees, looking up at the sky, begging for luck to come his way.

He roared in frustration and punched the ground as crosses flew over his head as he tried everything he could to become the oldest goalscorer at a European Championship.

With every free kick that came and went, he scored just one of the 60 direct free kicks he attempted in major international tournaments, the desperation grew.

He later turned to his supporters and waved his arms wildly, calling for more noise and praying they wouldn’t give up.

When his penalty was saved, Portugal fans sang “Viva Ronaldo” after his emotional outburst was shown on the big screen at Arena Frankfurt.

Former Scotland striker Pat Nevin reacted with disbelief on BBC Radio 5 Live: “He missed a penalty. He shouldn’t be crying.”

But when he finally scored on penalties, there were no extravagant celebrations, just a wave to the fans behind the goal and an apology.

“It’s hard enough to take a penalty anyway, but to take one in a situation where you’ve just missed a penalty at such a crucial moment… unbelievable,” former England striker Alan Shearer told BBC One.

“That’s why they are great players – because they have great mental strength.

“I think there are some occasions where, 10 years ago, there’s no doubt he would have done it. But it was a Ronaldo show, wasn’t it?”

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown added: “Psychologically we saw the tears and we saw the professionalism [to step up and score in the penalty shootout].

“It was remarkable on Costa’s part. They trusted him. Cristiano Ronaldo… It wasn’t about him tonight. It was about that man [Costa].”

‘We are all very proud of our captain’

Having said that, this will be his last Euro, Ronaldo’s desire to score a goal and be successful with Portugal is even greater.

The Portuguese captain has already made history in Germany by playing in a record sixth European Championship.

He also scored the most goals in the European Championship (14) and made the most appearances (28) in the Euros.

“There’s a side to him where he becomes more of a Portugal team player than any other team he’s played for,” said former Scottish striker Nevin.

“The country means a lot to him. I don’t think he doesn’t care if he doesn’t score, but the priority is on the results.”

Ronaldo became the first player to score a penalty in three Euro penalty shootouts.

However, he received criticism for his goal drought and this is unlikely to ease after events in Frankfurt.

But Portugal coach Roberto Martinez says he is a “constant example” for all his country’s players.

“When you see a player, the only player to play six euros, with desire and this belief [like a] young man – those emotions are incredible for someone who has won everything and experienced everything,” Martinez said.

“He doesn’t have to worry so much and for that I’m grateful for the way he is. For taking care of the group. For being someone who, after missing a penalty, was the first to score [in the shootout].

“I knew for sure that he should be the first penalty taker and show us the way to victory. We are all very, very proud of our captain.

“The locker room was delighted and I think he taught us a lesson about having really high standards and never giving up. Life and football provide difficult moments and he is an example that we are very proud of in Portuguese football.”

Ronaldo’s misfortune in statistics

• He has attempted twice as many direct free kicks in European competitions as any other player without scoring since records began in 1980.

• Among the players without goals at Euro 2024 so far, Ronaldo has scored the most shots (20).

• It is his longest goal drought in major tournaments. He has scored in every major tournament before this one.

• He has not scored in his last eight Euro or World Cup games.

• Ronaldo has scored the last 24 penalties in all competitions, but his record at the Euros is five scored and two missed – including in the shootout.

• For the first time in his career, Ronaldo failed to score in the group stage of a major Euro 2024 tournament.