Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that this year’s tournament in Germany will be the last EURO of his career.
Early morning of July 2 (Vietnam time), the Portuguese team registered to the quarterfinals when defeating Slovenia in the round of 16 of EURO 2024. After a 0-0 draw in 120 minutes, Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates won 3-0 on penalties to keep alive their hope of returning to the top of Europe.
After the match, Ronaldo admitted that this would be the last EURO in his career with the Portuguese team.
Ronaldo bowed his head in disappointment after missing a penalty kick
AFP
“This is my last time at EURO, of course,” Ronaldo said. “But I won’t let that affect me. It’s only passion that drives me forward.”
Ronaldo became the center of attention in this match when he missed a penalty kick in the 105th minute. In a face-to-face situation with goalkeeper Jan Oblak, Ronaldo’s shot was not dangerous enough, allowing his opponent to successfully block it. After this situation, Ronaldo burst into tears. The Portuguese captain was comforted by his teammates before continuing the match.
In addition, in this match, Ronaldo also had 4 inaccurate direct free kicks, missed a face-off in the 89th minute and had unsuccessful challenges against the Slovenian defenders.
Ronaldo disappoints
AFP
However, in the penalty shootout, Ronaldo made amends in time. He was the one who took the first kick and successfully finished, not allowing Oblak to block it a second time.
“I will always give my all for the Portugal shirt. I have always done so throughout my life. I always stand up and take the responsibility I have to carry,” Ronaldo emphasized.
Portugal will face France in the quarter-finals of EURO 2024. The last time they faced each other in Europe’s most prestigious tournament, the two teams drew 2-2.
