Cristiano Ronaldo’s tears turned into elation as Portugal beat Slovenia on penalties to reach a Euro 2024 quarter-final against France despite the 37-year-old’s missed spot-kick in extra-time.
A sobbing Ronaldo had to be consoled by team-mates after Jan Oblak brilliantly saved his penalty in the 105th minute but, following a gruelling goalless draw, he converted Portugal’s first effort in the shootout as goalkeeper Diogo Costa made saves from Josip Ilicic, Jure Balkovec and Benjamin Verbic to send them through.
Costa’s heroics allowed Bernardo Silva to convert the winning kick after Bruno Fernandes had also scored, and came after a similarly crucial one-on-one save from Benjamin Sesko deep in extra-time as Slovenia came agonisingly close to an historic upset.
Predictably, though, it was Ronaldo who dominated the encounter. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward was on a mission to open his account at Euro 2024 having blanked in the group stage and cut an emotionally-charged figure from the start.
His efforts on goal over the course of the 120 minutes, including four unsuccessful free-kicks, all prompted animated reactions but his anger was replaced by devastation after Oblak denied him from the spot shortly before the halfway point of extra-time.
Oblak had also saved from Ronaldo in the 89th minute and the goalkeeper was not the only Slovenia player who shone as the underdogs kept Roberto Martinez’s star-studded side at bay for long periods, demonstrating defensive doggedness and occasional flashes of attacking threat at the other end.
For Portugal, it was left to Costa to ensure Ronaldo’s redemption, the Porto goalkeeper following up his vital save from Sesko with a hat-trick of stops in the shootout to set up a last-eight tie which will pit Ronaldo against Kylian Mbappe in Hamburg on Friday night.
In pictures: Ronaldo’s tears… then joy
Ronaldo steps up to take his penalty in extra-time
Oblak dives to his left and makes a full-stretch save
Oblak celebrates as Ronaldo holds his face in his hands
Ronaldo is seen in tears during half-time of extra-time
Ronaldo had to be consoled by team-mates, including the 41-year-old Pepe
Former Manchester United team-mate Diogo Dalot also tried to comfort him
Ronaldo celebrated his penalty shootout in muted style
Ronaldo embraces Portugal hero Diogo Costa
Ronaldo holds up his fist in celebration towards the Portugal fans
Ronaldo’s delight: We deserved it
Cristiano Ronaldo said: “Sadness at the start is joy at the end. That’s what football is. Moments, inexplicable moments.
“A penalty to give the team the lead. I didn’t manage it. Oblak made a good save. I have to see the penalty, I don’t know if I shot well or badly, but I haven’t missed once all year, and when I needed it most, Oblak saved it.
“I think Portugal deserved it because we had more authority. Slovenia spent almost the entire game defending. It’s very difficult and the whole team is to be congratulated, especially our goalkeeper, who made three very good saves.”
Ronaldo was supported by his team-mates after missing his penalty
He celebrated by tapping the Portugal badge on his shirt
He added: “Portugal was always on top of it, pressing hard, but for one reason or another, didn’t score.
“The pitch wasn’t great, it was very tough but I’d say all things considered, we were better. We deservedly reached the quarter-finals.
“We’re still very excited, we want to enjoy our game, give the fans some joy and happiness and this is our life. This is how we live.”
Penalty hero Costa: The best game of my life
Diogo Costa said: “This is probably the best game of my life.
“I am focused on doing what I had to do. I went with my gut feeling. Of course, we had analysed the penalty-takers, but players change and they change how they shoot.
Diogo Costa saves Benjamin Verbic’s penalty
Costa is mobbed by his Portugal team-mates
“It’s tremendous emotion. This was a tough match. We knew what they were going to do and they did it perfectly.
“I had to be very focused throughout the game. I had to wait for the best opportunity to help the team and that is what I was focused on. It was a very tough match. Goalkeepers sometimes barely touch the ball, but this was worth it.
“I get strength from my family, they are my bedrock. My family, a lot of work and a lot of devotion. Whatever comes, we will be ready. A team like ours must be ready to face anything and we will do it.”
