Manchester United star Diogo Dalot and Cristiano Ronaldo wasted no time sending emotionally charged messages after Portugal’s dramatic win at Euro 2024 on Monday evening.
Portugal, who are considered one of the tournament favourites, reached the knockout stages at Euro 2024 in Germany after coming top of Group F.
The Euro 2016 champions suffered a shock 2-0 defeat to Georgia in their final Group F match, but Portugal finished level on points with second-place Turkey in Group F.
Portugal faced Slovenia in the round of 16 and Roberto Martinez’s men struggled to break the deadlock against their resilient opponents in regular playing time.
Slovenia, who finished third in Group C behind Denmark and England, came close to causing a stunning upset against Roberto Martinez’s side at Euro 2024.
However, Portugal ultimately ensured their place in the quarter-finals with a dramatic penalty shootout win over Slovenia at the Deutsche Bank Park.
Dalot and Ronaldo react to Portugal win
Cristiano Ronaldo had a night to forget at Eintracht Frankfurt’s stadium, with the Manchester United legend failing to find the back of the net in regular playing time.
The 39-year-old Portuguese superstar was also denied from the spot-kick after Jan Oblak produced a stunning save in the first half of extra time.
Ronaldo was initially crestfallen after his failed penalty kick and even broke down in tears, with former United teammate Diogo Dalot consoling the Al Nassr forward.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner stepped up for another penalty in the shootout and Ronaldo redeemed himself after beating Jan Oblak from the spot-kick.
Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva also scored from the spot-kick, while Diogo Costa ensured Portugal’s win by saving all three of Slovenia’s penalties.
Dalot took to Instagram after Portugal’s last-16 win and the United star made his feelings clear on the Euro 2024 win to Roberto Martinez’s men.
“We suffer together, we win together,” he wrote, adding a heart emoji and a Portugal flag emoji.
Ronaldo, much like Dalot, felt the emotions were running high on the night and he thanked Portugal fans for their support during the Slovenia match.
“Unexplainable moments. Let’s give it our all! Thank you,” he wrote, adding a Portugal flag emoji.
Man Utd legend Ronaldo on penalty miss
Speaking after the match, Ronaldo opened up about his feelings after he saw Slovenia No 1 Jan Oblak save his effort from a crucial penalty.
“Even the strongest people have their days, I was down and I was sad because the team needed me,” he told Sport TV, as per the Metro.
“Initial sadness and joy at the end, that’s what football brings, inexplicable moments, from the eighth minute to the 80th, that’s what happens.
“I could have given the national team the advantage, but I didn’t manage it, Oblak saved, I didn’t miss once during the year, and when I needed it most Oblak saved.
“It’s a feeling of sadness and joy at the same time, but the most important thing is progressing, the team deserved it.
“Slovenia spent almost the entire time defending and when it’s like that it’s very difficult, the team deserves congratulations, especially our goalkeeper who made three good saves.”