Cristiano Ronaldo: Tears in his eyes as Portugal triumph in dramatic penalty shootout win over Slovenia

The talisman of Portugal experienced every emotion imaginable in 120 minutes.

He is yet to score at Euro 2024 and was in the spotlight throughout the game, showing his emotions and frustrations as he missed numerous chances.

His entry was greeted by a huge roar from the Portuguese fans – the same supporters who chanted his name when his penalty was saved by Oblak.

At the other end of the pitch, Slovenian fans booed him, threw flares, banged drums and celebrated every time his effort missed the target.

Despite his 20 shots on goal in the tournament (a record for a player), he has yet to find the back of the net. Worse still, he has missed three of his nine penalties in major tournaments.

“We all know Cristiano is the hardest worker,” said goalkeeper Costa, who was the hero of the evening.

“I understand his frustration because he devotes all his time to this. It’s a pleasure and an honor to be on the same team as him.”

“We are a family, I really mean that. I am focused on making the most of these opportunities and I wanted to help the team. That is the most important thing.

“It’s probably the best game of my life.”

As his frustration grew throughout the night, Ronaldo fell to his knees, staring at the sky, begging for luck to come to him.

He roared in frustration and pounded the ground with his fist when crosses flew over his head as he tried everything to become the oldest goalscorer at a European Championship.

With every free-kick that came and went, he has now scored just one of the 60 direct free-kicks he has attempted at major international tournaments, adding to the despair.

Later, he turned to his supporters and waved his arms wildly, asking for more noise and praying they wouldn’t give up.

When his penalty was saved, Portuguese fans sang “Viva Ronaldo” after his emotional outburst was shown on the big screen at the Frankfurt Arena.

Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin reacted in disbelief on BBC Radio 5 Live: “He missed a penalty. He shouldn’t be crying.”

But when he finally scored in the penalty shootout, there were no flamboyant celebrations, just a nod to the fans behind the goal and an apology.

“It’s hard enough to go up and take a penalty, but to take one in that situation where you’ve just missed a penalty at such a crucial moment… it’s unbelievable,” former England striker Alan Shearer told BBC One.

“That’s why they are great players: because they have great mental strength.

“I think there are a few occasions where, ten years ago, there was no doubt he would have been on the other end of the line. But this has been a real spectacle for Ronaldo, hasn’t it?”

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown added: “Psychologically we saw the tears and we saw the professionalism (of those who stepped up and scored in the penalty shootout).

“It was remarkable from Costa. They were counting on him. Cristiano Ronaldo… It wasn’t about him tonight. It was about that man (Costa).”