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).”

Even though Ronaldo has said this will be his last Euro, his desire to score a goal and succeed with Portugal is even greater.

The Portuguese captain has already made history in Germany, taking part in his record sixth European Championship.

He is also the player who has scored the most goals in the European Championship (14) and made the most appearances (28) at a Euro.

“There’s a side of him where he becomes more of a team player for Portugal than any other club team he’s played for,” said former Scotland striker Nevin.

“The country means a lot to him. I don’t think he will care about not scoring, but the priority is results.”

Ronaldo became the first player to score a penalty in three penalty shootouts at the Euros.

He has been criticised for his goal drought, however, and that is unlikely to diminish after the events in Frankfurt.

But Portugal coach Roberto Martinez says he is a “constant example” for all his country’s players.

“When you see a player, the only player to have played six Euros, with the desire and the conviction (of a) young man – these emotions are incredible for someone who has won everything and experienced everything,” Martinez said.

“He doesn’t need to worry so much and that’s why I thank him for the way he is. For caring about the group. For being someone who, after missing a penalty, was the first to take the penalties.”

“I knew for sure that he had to be the first penalty taker and show us the way to victory. We are all very, very proud of our captain.

“The dressing room was delighted and I think he taught us a lesson about having very high standards and never giving up. Life and football throws you tough times and he is an example that we are really proud of in Portuguese football.”