Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken about how he reacted after missing a critical penalty in a match against Slovenia in Euro 2024. The soccer superstar finally opens up with this heartfelt talk about the pressure and personal significance of the miss.
With the result locked goalless, it was anyone’s game as the Euro 2024 Round of 16 headed into its closing minutes between Portugal and Slovenia. In the first half of extra time, with just a minute left, Portugal earned a penalty. Being one of the more reputed takers of penalties, it was expected from Ronaldo to bury the spot-kick and give his team an advantage. Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak pulled off a miracle rescue, saving Ronaldo’s powerful shot from going into the net.
Ronaldo’s Emotional Breakdown
In an interview with former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand, Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his feelings about the missed penalty. He made it clear that he did not cry because it was over for Portugal or how his performance may affect the team’s chances. According to him, it was more to do with his family.
“When you have passion for what you’re doing, you cannot be worried about your feelings,” Cristiano Ronaldo said. “I cried the day I missed the penalty that, in my opinion, Oblak made a fantastic save. I cried not because I thought the world would collapse if I missed that penalty and Portugal got eliminated.”
A Personal Struggle
Ronaldo’s reaction was very personal and linked with his expectations and pride. Missing a penalty, he said, gets to him more so when he had made twenty-seven others consecutively before. “Imagine the last 27 penalties you score, then you miss one, and you feel bad about yourself. The people that come to the stadium—your kids, your mom, your girlfriend—everybody—I felt sad because of that,” he stated.
He made it a point to stress that his tears were not because he feared how his performance would affect their chance. That outburst from Ronaldo was a rare glimpse into the mind of a footballer. It cemented the fact that, despite all his years and honors, he still takes his performances as dear as the love of those closest to him.
The Legacy of the Miss
It was the missed penalty that would become one of the saddest personal moments, not defining Cristiano Ronaldo’s tournament or career. The ability to bounce back, contribute to Portugal’s advancement, and continue an impressive career speaks volumes about resiliency and skill.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s career has been one full of success and breaking numerous records. His response to the missed penalty is testimony to his passion and what was at stake, personally, for each game. In years to come, his legacy will be defined by victories as well as meaningful moments. The experience will surely not deter Cristiano Ronaldo from focusing on his football career and personal growth since he comes into Euro 2024. Open with his emotions, he commands respect and admiration both on and off the pitch.
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