First came the tears of distress, followed by tears of joy at Euro 2024.
Cristiano Ronaldo was the focus of all attention in Frankfurt as Portugal narrowly made it to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, defeating Slovenia 3-0 on penalties thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Diogo Costa. The Manchester United legend burst into tears after his penalty was saved by Jan Oblak.
However, the Al-Nassr star quickly recovered and regained his composure to overcome any lingering mental demons. His penalty during the shootout was exceptional, but the drama surrounding this match was less so. This was about Ronaldo trying to be the hero, whether by fair means or foul, and the truth is, it didn't need to be that way. Portugal are stronger as a team than when they're relying on a 39-year-old veteran, reports the Mirror.
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It wasn't long before Ronaldo tried to steal the limelight and take centre stage. His needless showboating inside nine minutes fooled no one, despite the enthusiastic applause from the crowd at Deutsche Bank Park. He then attempted to dive and win a foul, but the unimpressed referee Daniele Orsato wasn't fooled. The Italian official deserves credit for managing CR7's larger-than-life persona throughout the evening, as his petulance began to wear thin.
Incredibly, the Al-Nassr striker failed to connect with around five tantalising first-half crosses that just eluded him. He also insisted on taking every Portugal free-kick that was awarded within shooting distance. Pundit and European champ Jose Fonte made a telling point on the telly, saying "nobody can take him off them" hinting that it's pretty much a golden rule that CR7 gets dibs on free-kicks for Portugal's squad - even over set piece specialists like former United team-mate Bruno Fernandes.
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![Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal looks dejected as he is consoled by team-mates ahead of the second half of extra-time](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/article33148890.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/2_js338224728.jpg)
But let's face it - with just one goal from over 60 attempts at big comps since that belter against Spain back in Russia 2018, isn't it about time Ronaldo moved over? He even whacked one straight into the fans from a spot better suited for whipping in crosses during the latest match.
First attempt looked promising as he gave it some welly, almost shaving the bar - but after that, his relentless quest to be the main man got seriously yawn-worthy, especially when you've got talents like Fernandes and AC Milan star Rafael Leao ready to step up. Fernandes is a dead-ball wizard and deserved a crack at it.
![The BBC mocked Ronaldo's penalty miss](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/article33148616.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/1_terry.png)
Yet both he and the seasoned defender Pepe got royally snubbed - they were keen to have a go whenever Portugal nabbed a free-kick close to goal, but got palmed off every single time. Martin Keown couldn't hold back during his BBC spiel, remarking: "I wonder how he [Fernandes] feels, he's not even allowed to go near the free kicks. It's the Ronaldo show."
The truth is, it was clear Fernandes was not best pleased, but Ronaldo still rules the Portugal roost and the Manchester United captain dare not say a word in fear of conflict. Ronaldo even had the nerve to throw his arms up to Fernandes when he didn't shift the ball quickly enough, resulting in the 39 year old drifting offside.
What's more shocking, perhaps, is that Roberto Martinez put up with the selfish antics for so long while Diogo Jota, Joao Felix, and Gonzalo Ramos were practically steaming on the subs' bench. Alarm bells rang when midfield maestro Vitinha, arguably the star player on the pitch, was subbed off on 65 minutes for Jota as Portugal switched up their formation.
![Bruno Fernandes has to take a back seat for Portugal](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article33149435.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_FBL-EURO-2024-MATCH41-POR-SLO.jpg)
A fourth free-kick, with 20 minutes left on the clock, was once again hogged by Ronaldo, who blasted the ball over the bar and into the Slovenia end - prompting the crowd to cheekily chant "Messi, Messi," in a dig at the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. Some might suggest he was aiming for the stands as payback.
He even fluffed a prime chance to clinch the game two minutes from the whistle but was thwarted by Oblak, shooting directly at the solid Slovenia keeper. And extra-time saw more of the same drama, with Joao Cancelo copping an earful from Ronaldo for not whipping in a cross from the right.
![Cristiano Ronaldo stands over a free kick](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/article33148888.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/3_js338217886.jpg)
Then, after Jota brilliantly earned a penalty, came a staggering, jaw-dropping moment that will forever be remembered in European Championship lore. Ronaldo's penalty was deflected onto the post by Oblak, leaving the Portuguese superstar visibly distraught. He was so upset that he broke down in tears as he joined Martinez's motivational huddle.
Pepe had to console him before Diogo Dalot gave him a comforting kiss on the head. Despite there being 15 minutes left and Portugal dominating the game, it was an undeniably embarrassing moment. However, Ronaldo then demonstrated his exceptional talent by successfully taking his penalty during the shootout.
Had he missed or if Slovenia had knocked out Portugal, this night would have haunted him for the rest of his life and career - despite all his accomplishments. It would have tarnished his illustrious reputation.