Portugal's Euro 2024 win was overshadowed by Ronaldo's penalty miss against Slovenia. Despite the controversy, Portugal advances to the quarterfinals.
In the Euro 2024 round of 16 clash between Portugal and Slovenia at the Dusseldorf Arena, Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty miss became a focal point of discussion, overshadowing Portugal's eventual 3-0 victory in the penalty shootout after a goalless draw. The BBC, during their television coverage, sparked controversy by branding Ronaldo as 'Misstiano Penaldo' in a graphic, drawing widespread attention and criticism across social media platforms.
Despite the miss, Ronaldo played a significant role throughout the match, leading his team with resilience and determination. Manager Roberto Martinez praised Ronaldo's contributions, highlighting his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to the team's cause. Martinez commended Ronaldo for being a constant source of inspiration, especially as the only player to have participated in six European Championships, underscoring his influence and significance to Portuguese football.
Speaking after the match, Martinez expressed gratitude towards Ronaldo for his leadership on and off the field, acknowledging his pivotal role as the first penalty taker and a driving force behind Portugal's advancement in the tournament. The manager emphasized Ronaldo's ability to handle pressure and his belief in guiding the team to victory.
Ronaldo himself reflected on Portugal's performance, asserting that their dominance justified their progression despite Slovenia's defensive strategy. He credited the entire team for their efforts and singled out the goalkeeper, Jan Oblak, acknowledging Slovenia's resilience despite the loss.
