Cristiano Ronaldo apologised to Portugal fans by holding his hands up as they beat Slovenia on penalties at Euro 2024 to reach the quarter-finals of the competition.
The 39-year-old saw a spot-kick expertly saved by Jan Oblak in extra-time after Diogo Jota was bundled down inside the box.
Ronaldo was left in tears after the incident, with the Al-Nassr star having to be consoled by his team-mates.
He showed courage by stepping up first in the shootout after a goalless draw, taking his penalty after Josip Ilicic saw his shot saved by Diogo Costa.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a penalty in the shootout as Portugal beat Slovenia at Euro 2024
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And Ronaldo, after blubbing his eyes out less than half an hour, then achieved redemption.
Oblak guessed right for a second time but the Atletico Madrid star was unable to keep Ronaldo’s effort out, with the Portugal star apologising to fans in attendance after making amends.
After the Al-Nassr star converted, Costa proceeded to save two more penalties.
And with Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva keeping their cool, Roberto Martinez’s side are now in the quarter-finals of the competition.
Ronaldo joined in the celebrations at full time, with the former Manchester United, Juventus, Real Madrid and Sporting Lisbon star having a big smile on his face.
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He was part of the Portugal side that won Euro 2016 in France.
But Ronaldo, eight years on and in the twilight years of his career, is now dreaming of winning the European Championships for the second time.
The result was harsh on Slovenia, who battled until the end.
They will rue a missed chance by Benjamin Sesko, with the RB Leipzig star seeing a shot saved by Costa in the dying stages of the match.
Yet it is Portugal who will now be locking horns with France on Friday, with Les Bleus making the last eight after a 1-0 win over Belgium.
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Ronaldo was clearly grateful for Costa’s heroics.
He hugged his goalkeeper at full time, relieved to have been let off the hook.
And Ronaldo will also be pleased after making history and adding his name to the record books once again.
The football icon has become the first player to score a penalty in three penalty shootouts at the Euros over the years.
And he’s also the oldest player to net a spot-kick at the European Championships, too.
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Cristiano Ronaldo was in tears before Portugal beat Slovenia on penalties at Euro 2024
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Martin Keown, reacting to the result, praised Slovenia for their plucky performance.
And he also hailed Costa, insisting the night was about him – instead of Ronaldo.
“Remarkable there from Costa. What a performance. They relied upon him,” he said on BBC One.
“That was an incredible performance from Slovenia and they have the respect of Europe now.
“Cristiano Ronaldo, it wasn’t about him tonight. It was about this man [Costa].”
Cristiano Ronaldo apologised to fans as Portugal beat Slovenia at Euro 2024
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And former Portugal star Jose Fonte added: “We waited a long time for some emotion in this game. I am glad that we got it done.
“Diogo Costa was unbelievable. He spent a lot of time with nothing to do but in the crucial moment he was there.
“It is great after Cristiano’s miss. He must be happy and relieved.”
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