Cristiano Ronaldo extols football’s ‘inexplicable moments’ after emotional win

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Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

Cristiano Ronaldo reacted to shedding tears during Portugal’s Euro 2024 clash against Slovenia and then scoring a penalty in the shoot-out victory by calling them “inexplicable moments”.

Ronaldo was cast in the role of villain after missing a series of chances and having his extra-time penalty saved by Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak in the scoreless encounter.

The 39-year-old was in tears during the extra-time break and consoled by team-mates, but he converted a spot-kick in the ensuing shoot-out as Diogo Costa saved all three Slovenia penalties and Portugal won 3-0.

“Even the strongest people have their (bad) days,” Ronaldo told reporters after the game.

“I was at rock bottom when the team needed me most. I was sad at first but now I’m happy.

“That’s what football is. Moments, inexplicable moments.”

Asked about his outpouring of emotions during the match, Ronaldo replied: “When I think of my family, I feel emotional because they are unique moments that I cannot express in words.

“They are people I love, the fans who are always with us and especially with me, and I am very happy about that.

“I hadn’t missed a penalty kick all year. At this moment I missed it, but the most important thing is that the team won.

“I lost twice on penalties this season and won the third time. Sometimes football is fair and sometimes just, but we we deserved to qualify.

“I will always give my best for this shirt, whether I fail or not, but you have to take responsibility when the team has to.

“I have never been afraid to face things head on. Sometimes I do things right, sometimes I don’t, but giving up is something you will never hear from me.”

Portugal’s win took them through to a quarter-final tie against France – 1-0 winners over Belgium – in Hamburg on Friday.

Head coach Roberto Martinez hailed Ronaldo’s resilience after Oblak had denied him in extra time with a magnificent penalty save.

Martinez said: “He’s a constant example for us. Those emotions are incredible because he’s won everything and experienced everything.

“He doesn’t need to care that much and that’s why I thank him for being the way he is, for caring for the group, for being someone after missing a penalty that he was the first penalty taker (in the shoot-out).

“I was certain he had to be the first penalty-taker and show us the way to the victory.”