Cristiano Ronaldo shares nine-word message to fans after penalty drama in last-16 clash with Slovenia saw him reduced to tears – as he looks ahead to quarter-final showdown against France
- The Portuguese captain was given a stay of execution as they beat Slovenia on penalties
- Cristiano Ronaldo burst into tears after missing an earlier penalty
- Listen to It’s all about to begin! EUROS DAILY: England don’t look like a team… they need a light
Cristiano Ronaldo posted a nine-word update on social media after an eventful night at Euro 2024, which saw Portugal narrowly qualify for the quarter-finals by beating Slovenia in a penalty shootout.
The 39-year-old player still hasn’t scored a single European Championship goal, but that wasn’t for lack of effort, as he made several attempts to break the spell.
Ronaldo was stopped several times by Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak and was eventually reduced to tears when his penalty was saved in extra time.
The Portuguese captain wasted a golden opportunity to take the lead in the round of 16 during extra time, only to see his penalty painfully saved by the Atletico Madrid shot stopper.
A tearful scene immediately followed, with Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot among the Portuguese players trying to comfort Ronaldo.
Cristiano Ronaldo had a night of mixed emotions as Portugal beat Slovenia in a penalty shootout
Ronaldo missed a penalty in extra time, but then scored from the penalty shootout
After another 15 goalless minutes, the match would be decided by penalties, giving Ronaldo the chance to make amends for his earlier mistake.
On his second visit to the penalty spot he made no mistake as he fired the ball into the bottom corner, past the sprawling Oblak, who was unable to make a save in the shootout.
A subdued celebration followed, with Ronaldo apologising to the Portuguese fans gathered in the Frankfurt Arena.
The 39-year-old kept smiling as Portugal reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2024
However, most of the praise went to Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who saved three consecutive penalties from Slovenia to secure the decisive victory for the country.
Ronaldo posted a brief update on social media after the match, and his message, translated from his native language, read: ‘Inexplicable moments. Let’s do everything we can! Thank you.’
The legendary player also shared a series of photos, as they prepare for a quarter-final against France, a repeat of the 2016 final.
Fans were quick to show their support for the former Real Madrid, Man United and Juventus star, with one commenting: ‘You are the best!!! All people make mistakes, we will never forget what you did for all Portuguese. Go up and come to France.’