CR7 regrets missed penalty in Portugal’s Euro qualification: “Feelings of sadness and joy”

On Monday, Portugal faced Slovenia in a match valid for the round of 16 of the European Championship and qualified 3-0, on penalties, with three saves by Diogo Costa. However, during regular time, Cristiano Ronaldo had a chance to put Portugal ahead on the scoreboard by taking a penalty, but he wasted the kick and burst into tears with the ball still in play. After qualifying, CR7 spoke about the match and how he dealt with the situation.

“Initial sadness and joy at the end. That’s what football brings, inexplicable moments, eight or 80, that’s what happened today. I had an opportunity to give the team an advantage, but I didn’t manage it. Oblak made a good save, I have to review the penalty, I don’t know if I kicked it well or badly. During a year, I didn’t miss once, and when they needed it most, the goalkeeper saved it,” said Cristiano.

Diogo Costa saves three penalties to send Portugal to the quarter-finals! 🇵🇹#EURO2024 | #PORSVN pic.twitter.com/ZLEuhACmpI

— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 1, 2024

Before this match, Cristiano had last missed a penalty in 2022, when he was still playing for Manchester United, against Middlesbrough. With four matches played for Portugal at the European Championship so far, the all-time top scorer for the Portuguese national team has not found the net in any of them.

“I feel sad and happy at the same time, but the important thing is to enjoy qualifying. The team did an extraordinary job, we fought until the end. If we analyze the game well, I think Portugal deserved it, because we had more chances, and Slovenia defended almost the whole game. When it’s like that, it’s very difficult. The whole team deserves congratulations, especially our goalkeeper, who made three very good saves,” he added.

“We weren’t expecting extra time and penalties, but that’s football, when we least expect it, things happen. Slovenia defended well, the pitch wasn’t in the best condition, but we played better and deserved to reach the quarterfinals. It’s the enthusiasm we still have to play, have fun and make the fans happy, this is our life,” added CR7.

Hero of the classification, with three penalties saved, Diogo Costa also spoke about his historic performance and showed himself focused on the next challenges in the tournament.

“It was a very close game, against a team that gave their all to defend, and they did very well. For my part, these are the most difficult games, when I go a long time without touching the ball. I just focused on making the most of this opportunity, I spent all my energy on it, I’m very happy to help the team and I dedicate the game to my family, who are my support”, he thanked.

“As for me, there will never be a lack of work. Now, whatever comes, we are ready, we will go all out. In this game, I did it differently, I followed my instinct in the penalty shootout, and I am very happy”, concluded Diogo.

With the qualification, Portugal will now face the French team in the quarter-finals. The duel will take place next Friday, at 4 pm (Brasília time), at the Volksparkstadion, in Hamburg.