Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal speaks to the media after the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 match vs Slovenia

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal speaks to the media after the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 match vs Slovenia

Cristiano Ronaldo reflected on the “inexplicable” moments he went through on a remarkable evening in Frankfurt that saw him miss a host of chances and burst into tears.

The Portugal captain wasted several huge opportunities and started crying after Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak saved his penalty late in the first half of extra-time.

Portugal stopper Diogo Costa then proved to be the hero as he saved three Slovenia spot-kicks to send his side through.

After the match Ronaldo, who scored his penalty in the shootout, told Portuguese TV: “Sadness at the start is joy at the end. That’s what football is. Moments, inexplicable moments.”

Reflecting on his penalty, he said: “A direct shot 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.”

Cristiano Ronaldo reacting after his penalty miss against Slovenia
Cristiano Ronaldo reacting after his penalty miss against Slovenia ( 
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)
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.”

Slovenia goalkeeper Oblak said: “Unfortunately, it did not work out for us. I’m lost for words, the atmosphere here is amazing and that’s what makes it that much more difficult.


Oblak saved Ronaldo’s spot kick ( 
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)

“There’s nothing more to add, especially a few minutes after the thing transpired. You see what happened in extra time, we had the opportunity to score, but we were probably missing a bit of luck. In the end, Portugal has deservedly won. Congratulations to them.

“That said, we are not content with the result. With all of the effort we put in to go on to the quarter-finals, we didn’t manage it. Congratulations to Portugal, those are really difficult moments.”