Cristiano Ronaldo: Tears as Portugal triumph in dramatic penalty shootout win over Slovenia

Portugal’s talisman experienced every conceivable emotion in 120 minutes.

He still hasn’t scored at Euro 2024 and was in the spotlight the entire match, showing his emotions and frustrations and missing countless chances.

His entrance was greeted with huge cheers from the Portuguese fans – the same supporters who chanted his name when his penalty was saved by Oblak.

On the other side, Slovenian fans cheered, lit flares, beat drums and celebrated every time his shots missed the target.

Despite 20 shots on target in the tournament – the most of any player – he has yet to find the net. To make matters worse, he has missed three of his nine penalties at major tournaments.

“We all know Cristiano is the hardest worker,” said goalkeeper Costa, who was the hero of the night.

“I understand how frustrated he is because he spends all his time on this. It’s a pleasure and an honour to be on the same team as him.

“We are a family, I really think so. I am focused on making the most of these opportunities and I wanted to help the team. That is the most important thing.

“This is probably the best match of my life.”

As his frustration grew throughout the night, Ronaldo fell to his knees and looked up to the sky, begging for good fortune to come his way.

He roared in frustration and punched the air with his fists when crosses flew over his head, doing everything he could to become the oldest goalscorer at a European Championship.

With every free-kick he took – he now has just one in the 60 direct free-kicks he has attempted at major international tournaments – the desperation grew.

Later, he turned to his followers and waved his arms wildly, asking for more noise and praying that they would not give up.

When his penalty was saved, Portuguese fans sang ‘Viva Ronaldo’ after his emotional outburst was shown on the big screen in the Frankfurt Arena.

Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin reacted in disbelief on BBC Radio 5 Live: “He missed a penalty. He shouldn’t be in tears.”

But when he finally scored in the shootout, there were no celebrations, just a nod to the fans behind the goal and an apology.

“It’s hard enough to take a penalty anyway, but to take a penalty at such a crucial moment… unbelievable,” former England striker Alan Shearer said on BBC One.

“That’s why they are great players: they have great mental strength.

“I think there are a few occasions where 10 years ago there was no doubt that he would have been involved. It’s been a Ronaldo show, hasn’t it?”

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown added: “Psychologically we saw the tears and the professionalism (to get up and score in the penalty shootout).

“It was remarkable from Costa. They trusted him. Cristiano Ronaldo… It wasn’t about him tonight. It was about that man (Costa).”

Although this will be his last European Championship, Ronaldo’s desire to score a goal and achieve success with Portugal is even greater.

The Portuguese captain has already made history in Germany by taking part in the European Championship for the sixth time, a record.

He has also scored the most goals at the European Championship (14) and made the most appearances (28) at a European Championship.

“There is a side of him where he is more of a team player for Portugal than any other club he has played for,” said former Scotland striker Nevin.

“The country means a lot to him. I don’t think he cares if he doesn’t score, but the priority is the results.”

Ronaldo became the first player to score a penalty in three penalty shootouts at the European Championship.

However, he has been criticised for his goal drought and it is unlikely that criticism will diminish after the events in Frankfurt.

But Portugal coach Roberto Martinez says he is a “constant example” for all the players in his home country.

“When you see a player, the only player who has ever played six times at the European Championship, with the desire and the belief (as a) young man – those emotions are incredible for someone who has won everything and experienced everything,” Martinez said.

“He doesn’t have to worry about it so much and that’s why I’m grateful for the way he is. For caring about the group. For being someone who, after missing a penalty, was the first penalty taker (in the shootout).

“I was sure he had to be the first penalty taker and show us the way to victory. We are all very, very proud of our captain.

“The dressing room was delighted and I think he taught us a lesson in having really high standards and never giving up. Life and football give you difficult moments and he is an example that we are really proud of in Portuguese football.”