- The Portugal captain was reprieved as they beat Slovenia on penalties
- Cristiano Ronaldo broke down in tears after missing a previous penalty
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Cristiano Ronaldo posted a seven-word update on social media following an eventful night at Euro 2024 that saw Portugal scrape through to the quarter-finals after beating Slovenia in a penalty shootout.
The 39-year-old is still without a European Championship goal to his name but it wasn’t for lack of trying as he made numerous attempts to break the deadlock.
Ronaldo was denied several times by Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak and eventually was left in tears as his penalty in extra-time was saved.
The Portugal captain wasted a golden chance to take the lead in the last-16 tie during extra time but watched as his penalty was agonisingly saved by the Atletico Madrid shot-stopper.
A tearful episode immediately followed, with Man United full-back Diogo Dalot amongst the Portuguese players attempting to comfort Ronaldo.
Cristiano Ronaldo endured an evening of mixed emotions as Portugal beat Slovenia in a penalty shootout
Ronaldo missed a penalty during extra time before scoring from the spot in the shootout
Another 15 minutes of goalless action meant the match would be decided by penalties and gave Ronaldo a chance to make amends for his previous error.
He made no mistake on his second visit to the penalty spot and lashed his effort into the bottom corner past a stretching Oblak who failed to make a save in the shootout.
A muted celebration saw Ronaldo appear to then apologise to Portugal fans who had gathered inside the Frankfurt Arena.
The 39-year-old was left smiling at full-time as Portugal advanced to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals
However, Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa would claim the majority of plaudits as he saved three consecutive Slovenia penalties to record a tournament-saving win for the nation.
Posting a short social media update after the match, Ronaldo’s translated post from his native tongue, read: ‘Inexplicable moments. Let’s give it our all! Thank you.’
A series of pictures were also shared by the legendary player who will now go about preparing for a quarter-final clash against France in a repeat of the 2016 final.
Fans were quick to show their support for the former Real Madrid, Man United and Juventus star, with one reply adding: ‘You are the greatest!!! All humans make mistakes, we will never forget what you have done for all Portuguese people. Head up and come to France.’
