There are many things this version of Cristiano Ronaldo lacks that the player of old once boasted.
No longer does the forward have the searing speed he so often relied on during his first spell at Manchester United, as well as during his nine years at Real Madrid.
Whatever little appetite he had to press from the front has gone, too, with the Al-Nassr star now a far more static presence than before.
And the goals don’t come as frequently for Portugal either, with the 39-year-old still yet to score at Euro 2024 so far.
Euro 2024: Cristiano Ronaldo bounced back from a penalty miss to achieve redemption in Portugal’s win over Slovenia
REUTERS
When it comes to his mentality, however, the football icon remains unmatched.
As Portugal battled to break down Slovenia, Roberto Martinez’s side were given a penalty in extra-time after Liverpool star Diogo Jota was bundled down inside the box.
It seemed destined that Ronaldo, so often the saviour, would step up and produce the goods once more.
Instead, the football gods didn’t read the script.
Jan Oblak, who faced Ronaldo regularly when the Portugal star was strutting his stuff for Real Madrid, saved to his left to tip the effort onto the post.
JUST IN:Cristiano Ronaldo apologises to Portugal fans after redemption in Slovenia Euro 2024 win
Back at Euro 2004, somehow 20 years ago, a young Ronaldo wept his eyes out after Portugal lost to Greece in the final of the competition.
History, it seemed, would repeat itself here.
Ronaldo was crushed after his miss, with the 39-year-old breaking down on the field. His Portugal team-mates rushed to console him, attempting to put the cape back on their superhero.
As the game teetered towards penalties, all eyes were on how arguably the greatest player the game has ever seen would cope with the pressure.
But Ronaldo, never one to shirk away, then showed immense courage to go first.
READ MORE: Gary Lineker sticks knife into England again and reveals Alan Shearer ‘left the room’ during Slovakia win
Perhaps it helped that Josip Ilicic had missed first. That, at least, eased some of the pressure on his shoulders.
But the way Ronaldo stepped up, with a hop, a skip and a jump, showed his self-confidence remains as high as ever.
Oblak guessed right for the second time on the night but, this time, Ronaldo’s spot-kick was far too powerful for the Slovenia star.
And with Diogo Costa saving two more penalties, and three in total, the night belonged to Portugal in the end.
They do have a Ronaldo dilemma on their hands. Redemption in the shootout can’t hide that.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Euro 2024: Cristiano Ronaldo was in tears as Portugal beat Slovenia to reach the quarter-finals
GETTY
Do they continue to stick with a player who has contributed so much, yet finishes so little?
Do they continue to keep him on the pitch, even when their matches require fresh legs and a burst of youthful energy?
And do they change their first-choice penalty taker? Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes aren’t exactly bad back-up choices…
For now, however, those questions can wait.
Ronaldo, and Portugal, will go up against France in the quarter-finals of the competition on Friday night.
Euro 2024: Cristiano Ronaldo showed his mentality is unmatched after helping Portugal beat Slovenia
REUTERS
Will Ronaldo back himself to shine? Of course he will. Plenty has changed over the years – but his mettle remains as mesmerising as ever.
Speaking after the game, meanwhile, the veteran said: “Sadness at the start is joy at the end.
“That’s what football is. Moments, inexplicable moments.
“A direct shot to give the team the lead. I didn’t manage it. [Jan] 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.”
Post comments (0)