Cristiano Ronaldo says he feels ‘sadness and joy’ after his penalty miss reduced him to tears in Portugal’s shootout victory over Slovenia on Monday night.
After the game ended goalless in 90 minutes, Portugal were handed the opportunity to take the lead in the first half of extra time when they were given a generous penalty for a foul on Diogo Jota.
Ronaldo stepped up to take the penalty but it was well saved by Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
The half-time whistle for extra time was blown shortly after and Ronaldo was seen in tears on the touchline during Portugal’s team huddle.
The 39-year-old was then consoled by Portugal teammate Diogo Dalot as he made his way back onto the pitch for the second half of extra time.
After that ended without a goal, the match went to penalties and Slovenia saw all three of their spot kicks saved by Diogo Costa.
Ronaldo scored Portugal’s first penalty with a fine finish and held up his hands to the supporters of his national side in an apparent apology for his earlier miss.
Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva went on to score their penalties to win the shootout, which has set up a Euro 2024 quarter-final tie between Portugal and France this Friday at 8pm.
When asked how he felt after the shootout, Ronaldo told Sport TV: ‘Even the strongest people have their days, I was down and I was sad because the team needed me.
‘Initial sadness and joy at the end, that’s what football brings, inexplicable moments, from the eighth minute to the 80th, that’s what happens.
‘I could have given the national team the advantage, but I didn’t manage it, Oblak saved, I didn’t miss once during the year, and when I needed it most Oblak saved.
‘It’s a feeling of sadness and joy at the same time, but the most important thing is progressing, the team deserved it.
‘Slovenia spent almost the entire time defending and when it’s like that it’s very difficult, the team deserves congratulations, especially our goalkeeper who made three good saves.’
In a separate interview with RTP, Ronaldo added: ‘It is without a doubt my last European Championship. But I don’t get emotional about that, I get emotional about everything that football involves.
‘Because of the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm of seeing my supporters, my family, the affection that people have for me. It’s not about leaving football, because if I do, what else would I need to do or win? It won’t be about getting one more point or one less point. Making people happy is what motivates me the most.
‘We have a tough game now against France, who are one of the favourites to win.
‘But we’re going to war, the team is doing well and I’ll always give my best in this shirt. I missed the penalty but I wanted to be the first to score, because you have to take responsibility. I’ve never been afraid to face the usual things.’