Ronaldo: 'I'm frustrated when I can't score' in the Euro 2024

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo admitted he could not control his emotions after missing a penalty in extra time against Slovenia in the Euro 2024 round of 16

"This is my last Euro," Ronaldo replied when asked about crying after missing a penalty in the match at Wald Stadium, Frankfurt on the evening of July 1. "But I was not emotional because of that, but because of everything related to football, such as the passion for the match, meeting the fans, family, or everyone's feelings. Bringing joy to everyone is my biggest motivation."

Ronaldo covers his face after missing a penalty in the Portugal-Slovenia match in the Euro 2024 round of 16 on the evening of July 1. Photo: AP

In this match, Ronaldo still played enthusiastically, participated in many attacking situations and was given many opportunities but failed to take advantage of them. One of them was a penalty that was pushed away by goalkeeper Jan Oblak in the 105th minute, making him cry. In the two regular periods, the score was 0-0.

However, Portugal still won a ticket to the quarter-finals . Ronaldo himself successfully scored the first penalty, contributing to the 3-0 victory. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa became the hero when he saved all three of Slovenia's kicks.

"Obviously it's frustrating not to score. But I forget about it, because the final result is the most important thing," Ronaldo added. "Sometimes it's difficult to score penalties. This year, I missed two, but today I won. Football has to be fair sometimes and today it was fair."

Ronaldo cried in the Portugal - Slovenia match.

On July 5, Portugal plays France in the quarterfinals. The match may remind viewers of the Euro 2016 final, when Portugal won 1-0 in Paris.

According to Ronaldo, Portugal face a difficult task, as France are also the favorites. But he is ready to fight for a ticket to the semi-finals. "Portugal are playing well. I will always give my best in this shirt," added the 39-year-old legend.

Ronaldo's disastrous performance almost cost Portugal a ticket to the quarter-finals  
Ronaldo's moves in the match against Slovenia.

Ronaldo first played in Euro 2004, and has played in a record six consecutive tournaments since.

He has scored 14 goals in 28 games at the Euros - all records at the tournament, culminating in the 2016 title. He scored two goals at Euro 2004, one in 2008, three in 2012, three in 2016 and five in 2020.

Ronaldo is also the only player to score 41 goals in Euro qualifiers, scoring a total of 55 goals in Euro qualifiers and finals.

Highlight Portugal - Slovenia, Ronaldo overshadowed, Spiderman level  
Main developments of the Portugal - Slovenia match.