Cristiano Ronaldo was left in tears as his quest for a first goal at Euro 2024 saw Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak deny the Portugal captain from the penalty spot.
Portugal had a golden chance to take the lead in the last-16 tie during extra time but watched as the Atletico Madrid shot-stopper agonizingly saved his penalty.
A frustrating evening saw Ronaldo desperately try to score, with his spot-kick effort in extra time forcing a stunning save from Oblak that saw the shot tipped onto the post.
Ronaldo could not keep his emotions in check after being denied and burst into tears as Portugal manager Roberto Martinez rallied his squad for a team talk.
The 39-year-old cried passionately as he was consoled by teammates after his miss as the team attempted to rally for the second half of extra time against Slovenia.
His penalty would have put Portugal in a strong position to win the match as they attempted to take the lead in the dying minutes of the game, with Ronaldo confidently stepping up to shoot having previously scored past Oblak at the club level.
Liverpool winger Diogo Jota was fouled in the box to give the former Real Madrid, Man United, and Juventus star an opportunity from 12 yards that many expected him to convert.
Ronaldo had previously only missed 29 of his 192 career penalties, with Sunday marking his first since being denied in Man United’s FA Cup penalty shootout against Middlesbrough in 2022.
The Al-Nassr striker couldn’t contain his emotions as the referee blew for the break following Ronaldo’s sensational miss and broke down in tears during iconic scenes.
Portugal stars surrounded Ronaldo and attempted to calm him down knowing their Euro 2024 destiny was on the line.
Man United full-back Diogo Dalot was on hand to console Ronaldo and pulled him aside while uttering words of comfort and trying to help the team captain regain composure.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s mum, Maria, was seen crying in the stands as she watched helplessly from the stands as her son got play back underway.
Gary Lineker was shocked to see the legendary player in such a state and said during the match on BBC: ‘Look at the tears that followed and at this point somebody needed to have a word with him.’
Micah Richards also commented on Ronaldo’s situation and heaped praise on Dalot for pulling his former Man United team-mate to one side during the crisis moment.
‘Dalot. Dalot there. Shows his passion for the game there. He’s devastated but he’s got a chance to put it right,’ he said.
Fans and critics on social media were quick to pounce on Ronaldo’s missed effort and subsequent outpouring of emotion, with one post on X stating: ‘Ronaldo missed the penalty. He has let his country down.’
Another added: ‘Ronaldo crying. I can’t take this,’ alongside several broken heart emojis.
A third comment sought to poke fun at the Portuguese’s misfortunes, posting: ‘Ronaldo Crying haha what a cry baby.’
The Portugal skipper later had the last laugh as he confidently scored his side’s first penalty during the shootout after the match ended goalless following extra time.
Ronaldo confidently showed his composure by smashing his shot into the corner past Oblak, with Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa the hero as he saved every Slovenia attempt.
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