A tearful Cristiano Ronaldo admits he ‘failed’ Portugal against Slovenia

Cristiano Ronaldo admitted that he let Portugal down during their Euro 2024 Last 16 clash with Slovenia.

The Selecao recently progressed to the quarter-finals after a 0-0 draw after 120 minutes of football, eventually winning 3-0 on penalties. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa was Portugal’s hero, saving all three of Slovenia’s goals.

Ronaldo, however, had a chance to kill the tie in extra time when Portugal were awarded a penalty, but his effort was saved by Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak, reducing the crowd to tears.

The 39-year-old made amends for Portugal’s first penalty in the shootout, while Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva headed home to put Roberto Martinez’s side ahead.

Speaking to reporters after the match, a devastated Ronaldo, who broke down in tears after Oblak saved his effort, opened up about the stormy night in Frankfurt.

“At first I was sad, but now I’m very happy,” he said. “This is football, the football that gives you.

“You can’t explain this. From 8 to 80. We had a chance to go on. I failed. Oblak saved it. I need to see it again, I don’t know if I hit it right or not.

“I feel sad but also happy. It is important to enjoy the progress. We are doing a good job, we have come to a painful end.

“We had many chances, we deserved this.”

Portugal will face France in the quarter-finals on Friday night. Les Bleus beat Belgium 1-0 in their last 16 tie earlier on Monday, with a late Jan Vertonghen goal separating the two sides.

This will be the third consecutive European tournament where Portugal and France meet. The Selecao won the 2016 final, thanks to Eder’s extra-time goal, while playing out a 2-2 draw at the delayed Euro 2020.

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