The images of the Cristiano Ronaldo’s tears are already among the most iconic of Euro2024. Yes, even the rich cry. The Portugal ace collapsed at the end of the first extra time of the match against Slovenia after having wasted a penalty. Then, however, the uncontainable joy for reaching the quarter-finals, conquered following the lottery of penalties.
Cristiano Ronaldo: the crazy desire to score, the penalty, the tears
CR7 tried in every way. With his head, on a free kick (repeatedly), diagonally, but the ball just wouldn’t go in. An obsession, the goal. Which is the lifeblood for the ever-ambitious Cristiano. The 39 years are felt in his legs (let’s face it: the golden years are behind him), but not in his head. Because the hunger – that – has remained intact. In the first extra time of the eighth played on the terrible playing field of Frankfurt, the great opportunity to break free: Orsato awards a penalty to Portugal. There is no discussion about the shooter: it’s up to Ronaldo. But Oblak raises the wall and shatters the dreams of glory of the Al Nassr striker. The former Juve player is desperate and collapses in the short interval give in to tears (like his mother in the stands) among the pats and hugs of his teammates.
CR7’s Rollercoaster Match: From Tears to Joy
Diogo Costa keeps Portugal alive with a great save on the talented Sesko: it goes to penalties. CR7 is the first to step up to the spot. He is not afraid of failure. He has too much personality and broad shoulders to bear the weight of the pressure of an entire country. This time he doesn’t make a mistake. Oblak is defeated. Diogo Costa does the rest by saving three out of three: Slovenia out, Portuguese in the quarter-finals against France. “I never had any doubts about the fact that he had to be the first to kick – explained the coach in the post-match Robert Martinez -. Cristiano is our captain and I was 1,000% sure that he could show us the way. Today he showed his human and emotional side. And he never gave up”.
Portugal-Slovenia, Cristiano Ronaldo talks about the emotions he experienced
“From the initial sadness to the final joy: this is what football gives – he said Cristiano Ronaldo – I had the chance to unlock the match but I didn’t: Oblak made a good save”. Then he reveals a behind-the-scenes story linked to his career in Saudi Arabia. “I have to review the penalty, I don’t know if I shot well or badly: I haven’t made a single mistake during the year”. On his tears he added: “It happens even to the strongest people, I was sad because the team needed the goal. I have never been afraid to face difficulties with my head held high and giving up is something that is not part of me. This will be my last European Championship”.
