Relieved Portugal Captain Breaks Silence After Shootout Victory Over Slovenia

• Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo shared his excitement after Portugal defeated Slovenia at the European Championship
• The veteran forward missed a penalty before the shootouts but made amends as the former champions progressed
• The 2016 champions will face France in the quarter-final on Friday with a place in the final four of the tournament at stake

Cristiano Ronaldo reacted to Portugal’s resilient display against Slovenia to reach the quarter-finals of the European Championship after a penalty shootout victory.

The Al-Nassr star missed the chance to win the game for the Selacaos in extra-time after his spot-kick was saved by Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

However, the legendary forward made up for his miss after converting during the shootouts as Portugal defeated their Round of 16 opponents 3-0 on penalties, courtesy of a heroic display by goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

N’Golo Kante: France Coach Didier Deschamps Reacts to Al Ittihad Star’s Display Against Austria

Football

Ronaldo went from tears to triumph in a dramatic encounter at the Deutsche Bank Park on Monday evening.

He posted on social media immediately after the game: “Inexplicable moments. Let’s give it our all! Thank you, Portugal.”

The victory keeps the 2016 champions in the competition and they will now face France, who beat Belgium, in the quarter-final of the competition on Friday, July 5.

Ronaldo confirmed the 2024 European Championship will be his last as he looks forward to crowning his Portugal career on a high.

“This will be my last Euro, of course. But I’m not moved by this, I’m moved by enthusiasm,” he said in a post-match interview after the game.

“I was sorry for the fans. I’ll always give my best for this shirt, whether I miss it or not. And I’ll do this my whole life. You have to take responsibility.”

Euro 2024: Reason behind Cristiano Ronaldo standing sideways for Portugal’s national anthem

Football

The 39-year-old is yet to score at the championship in Germany despite holding the record as the tournament’s top-scorer with 14 goals, as reported by UEFA.

Portugal beat Slovenia to advance at Euros

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Cristiano Ronaldo went from tears to cheers as the Portugal star recovered from missing a penalty during extra-time to score in his side’s dramatic shoot-out win over Slovenia in the Euro 2024 last 16 on Monday.

Ronaldo had a chance to put Portugal ahead late in the first period of extra-time in a tense, goalless tie in Frankfurt.

The 39-year-old stepped up to take the spot-kick after a foul on Diogo Jota, but his effort was superbly saved by Jan Oblak.