Cristiano Ronaldo took over Portugal’s Euro 2024 last 16 clash with Slovenia, and it was not necessarily all good.
Cristiano Ronaldo may just be one of the greatest players we have ever seen. But Euro 2024 has not been his tournament to date.
A goalless group stage, despite a record-setting assist, has seen Ronaldo become more tense and anxious on the pitch with his performances.
This can work against the team. Manchester United know this well, despite all the big moments he has brought to the club. And so by now, do Portugal.
- READ MORE: Who is Cristiano Ronaldo? Meet one of football’s most iconic names and undisputed Man Utd legend
Cristiano Ronaldo has eventful night v Slovenia
Slovenia were stubborn opponents against England, and they proved difficult opposition for Portugal too.
Cristiano Ronaldo was the heart of the game, ensuring he took every single free-kick, a succession of near misses.
He had a chance at the end of the first half which he missed, and that summed up his night. Then in extra-time, he got a gift he had hoped for.
A generous penalty was awarded, and of course, Ronaldo stepped up. He struck it with power, only to see Oblak dive across the goalmouth to parry his spot-kick away.
Ronaldo was stunned, shellshocked. He could not believe it. He was seen in tears shortly afterwards, and they did not stop.
We have seen Ronaldo cry before. When Portugal were eliminated from the 2022 World Cup. When he missed his penalty for Manchester United in 2008 in Moscow. But this was different, an outpouring of emotion mid-game.
The game was settled on penalties, and Ronaldo was first up for Portugal. He stuttered his run up, but still saw Oblak guess correctly. Fortunately the ball nestled in the bottom corner.
Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa then saved three penalties out of three, while Manchester Unted’s Bruno Fernandes scored his, as Ronaldo’s side won the shootout and reached the quarter-finals.
Diogo Dalot praised for Ronaldo intervention
With Cristiano Ronaldo in floods of tears, he needed his teammates to help compose him.
Up stepped Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot, his close pal, who was not on the pitch at the time, an unused substitute on the night.
Dalot put his arm around Ronaldo, issued some words of encouragement, and helped the forward get his head straightened out.
Manchester United fans on social media were impressed with the right-back’s intervention.
One wrote: “Thank you Diogo Dalot for standing by his side. I’m so proud of you, you have my utmost respect for this.”
Another added: “What a game of football and beautiful scenes in Frankfurt. Diogo Dalot, what a teammate.”
And a third fan wrote: “Superb from Dalot to be so animated in lifting Ronaldo at his worst. A great friend, a great leader.”
A fourth added: “Dalot showing true leadership with the legend.”
“Diogo Dalot is a true friend,” another fan wrote, while another added: “Nobody will talk about it but Dalot consoling Ronaldo before the 2nd extra time was huge in this win, staying composed. True leader and happy he is Manchester red!!!”
Ronaldo v Mbappe quarter-final
A huge quarter-final now awaits between Portugal and France. Between Real Madrid stars past and present, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe.
Ronaldo is not at a great moment, but neither is Mbappe, who has also failed to score a goal from open play this tournament.
This dramatic win over Slovenia could fuel Ronaldo. He felt the sensation of the ball hitting the back of the net in the shootout, and will make him hungry for more.
France will be tough opponents, but it’s not all on him. If Portugal could play more as a team, if Ronaldo will let them, they have a big chance to come out on top.