Redemption for tearful Ronaldo at 'last Euros'

By Daily Sports Nigeria on July 2, 2024

As Jan Oblak's hand tipped Cristiano Ronaldo's extra-time penalty on to the post, the Portuguese legend's dreams shattered in a moment.

He had "hit rock bottom".

The 39-year-old, who afterwards told Portuguese media this was his last Euros, bowed his head and burst into tears while team-mates raced to console their captain, with Slovenia threatening one of the Euros' biggest ever shocks.

A legendary European Championship career seemed set to end in the cruellest of ways.

Ronaldo's penalty was saved in extra time with the last-16 tie goalless, but just 15 minutes later he stepped up to the same spot to fire in the first of his country's shootout kicks.

Goalkeeper Diogo Costa then made Euros history with three penalty shootout saves as Portugal survived a humiliating exit, overcoming Slovenia to set-up a quarter-final tie with France.

More tears fell from Ronaldo - this time of pure joy and relief.

"Even the strongest people have their [bad] days. I was at rock bottom when the team needed me the most," said Ronaldo afterwards, before tearing up again.

"Sadness at the start is joy at the end. That's what football is. Moments, inexplicable moments. I feel sad and happy at the same time.

"But the important thing is to enjoy it. The team did an extraordinary job. We fought right to the end and I think we deserved it because we had more authority."

Source BBC Sports

Posted July 2, 2024


 

You may also like...
Remo Stars, Enyimba, Continue Impressive NPFL Run

Inter Pushes Chelsea To Release ‘Desperate’ Lukaku On...

Mbappe Strikes As PSG Beat Brest To Go...

Federer Through to Dubai Quarter-Finals

I want to win Champions League – Osimhen...

Nigerian Wins Arsenal ‘Future Stars’ Coaching Programme

 

Latest News JOF Kids Cup: Teams Battle For Semi-Finals Tickets This Weekend Adebayo battles Tanzanian for WBO title Gospel singer, Bassey, others knock poor Eagles display Awka City Stadium Hosts Rangers Against Heartland Federation Cup Clash 2025 Beach Soccer League: Anambra Warriors In Killer Mode To Secure First Round Qualifier Rivers lucky against Ikorodu City – Finidi We are not in Nigeria for holidays – Zimbabwe captain Don’t dash Nigerians’ hopes, Emenike tells Eagles Ikpeba backs Osimhen to break Yekini’s record Nwokolo to defend WBA NABA title April 26 Chelle chases second win against Warriors in Uyo Akwa Ibom offers free tickets for Super Eagles vs Zimbabwe match

 

Most Read Rangers International going, going . . . (55,372 views) Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (46,516 views) Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (44,533 views) Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (44,178 views) Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (44,141 views) Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (44,133 views) Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (43,945 views) NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (43,489 views) Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (42,578 views) Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (41,234 views) Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (39,672 views) John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (39,095 views)

 

Phone numbers

Tel: +234(0)8066020976
+234(0)8055068145
+234(0)7013416146
+234(0)8094272884

Email addresses

info@dailysportsng.com
support@dailysportsng.com
publisher@dailysportsng.com

Office address

No 3, Adetoun Close, Off College Road, Ogba, Ikeja Lagos.
Website: www.dailysportsng.com

Social Media