Ronaldo defends missed penalty as Portugal advances to quarters

Cristiano Ronaldo was the talk of the football world after the recent match against Slovenia. A former Portugal national team player has defended the behaviour of a global football star.

The Round of 16 match between Portugal and Slovenia at Euro 2024 gave fans many emotions. The team led by Matjaž Kek, who were expected to lose, managed to push the match into extra time. During extra time, extraordinary events unfolded. For instance, Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty.

Jan Oblak saved his shot. This was not the 39-year-old's first attempt during Monday's match. He took several more shots, none of which found the back of the net – similar to his performance throughout the tournament. His helplessness brought him to tears.

After the match, the Portuguese player received a significant amount of criticism and hate. However, Nuno Gomes, a legend of Portuguese football, has taken a different view. He believes Ronaldo is aware that this is his last major tournament.

Ronaldo is aware that this is probably the last major tournament in his career and would like to leave as a winner. He certainly hoped for more, but so far his performance in this championship has been weak. He is a player who loves big matches against strong opponents and has the quality to provide something extra, said Gomes to "Super Express".

Despite this rough patch, no one in Portugal forgets how much Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved for his country.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the history of Portuguese football. He is a born winner and cares deeply about this trophy, but for him, the team has always come first. He has worked with many coaches and the team's welfare has always been his priority. I have no doubt it is the same this time, adds Gomes.

The Portugal national team will play France in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals on Friday, 5 July, at 8 PM.