Ronaldo's Euro heartbreak: Missed penalty and emotional farewell
Cristiano Ronaldo was deeply affected by Monday's match with Slovenia. The Portuguese player missed a penalty kick, leading to a complete breakdown. His mother, Dolores Aveiro, watched the defeat from the stands, visibly concerned. The cameras captured her reaction.
2 July 2024 18:39
Portugal, regarded as one of the better European teams, is still fighting for the Cup in the championships (eight years ago, they even won the title of Europe's leader). After victories in the group stage against the Czech Republic (2-1) and Turkey (3-0), the Portuguese team stumbled in the third match, sensationally losing 2-0 to Georgia, who debuted in the European Championships. It much depends on Monday's match with Slovenia.
Although Portugal was the favourite, the victory came exceptionally hard. In overtime, Portugal had a penalty kick, but Cristiano Ronaldo lost the duel with the Slovenian goalkeeper. Earlier, he approached free kicks from a short distance four times, failing each time. The 39-year-old couldn't hide his intense emotions. During the break, cameras captured him in tears. Teammates had to console the captain.
This moment was excruciating for the team, and the player's mother, who was in the Porto stadium stands. When the world's most famous footballer broke down in front of the entire world, the cameras turned to Dolores Aveiro to document his mother's reaction. The concerned 69-year-old also couldn't hold back her tears.
Penalty shots ultimately decided the Portuguese team's advancement to the quarter-finals. In those, the Portuguese team was flawless; this time, the Al-Nassr player did not miss either. After the match, the 39-year-old addressed the fans, confirming their suspicions that this would be the last Euro of his life.
"This will be my last Euro, of course. But I’m not moved by this, I’m moved by enthusiasm. I was sorry for the fans. I'll always give my best for this shirt, whether I miss it or not. And I'll do this my whole life. You have to take responsibility," - Ronaldo revealed in an interview with the media after the match. - Ronaldo revealed to the media after the match.
