European Championship round of sixteen - Please forgive me: Ronaldo's tearful evening in Frankfurt
Late at night, Cristiano Ronaldo was caught once again. In the catacombs of Frankfurt, the heavily burdened superstar got wet eyes during an interview, his voice faltered.
After weeks of communicating only through Instagram, Ronaldo went from microphone to microphone after the just-concluded quarterfinal drama against Slovenia - and spoke openly about his feelings, which he had previously shown to millions of fans worldwide in tears on the field. The media professional knew how to make the most of the memorable evening once again.
Last Time at the EM
Due to the football drama with the relentlessly weeping lead actor Ronaldo, he sent martial greetings to Superstar Kylian Mbappé, who with Vice-World Champion France will face Portugal in the EM semifinal on Friday (21.00 PM) in Hamburg as their rival. "We will have a difficult game against France. They are one of the favorites for the title," said the 39-year-old world star. "But we are going to war." On Monday evening, he was once again the Drama King.
The encounter with Mbappé could indeed be Ronaldos last great hurrah at a European Championship. After 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2021, and 2024, for the record-player and record-goalscorer on the European Championship stage, the show is over, as he revealed after the thrilling shootout victory over Slovenia. The tournament in 2028 in Great Britain will have to take place without the shining football figure.
The most memorable moments of his farewell tour at the European Championship are likely already behind him. When he failed in the 105th minute with a penalty kick against the outstanding Jan Oblak, Ronaldo broke down in tears right on the field. His teammates comforted him, and even his mother wept on the sidelines. In the shootout, the captain stepped up again, converted the decisive penalty, and raised his hands to the fans. The clear message: Please forgive me.
Pictures that went around the sports world. Whether Diogo Costa wrote EM history with three saved penalties? Whether the brave Slovenians barely missed their first-ever semifinal after four draws in four games? Whether Oldie Pepe becomes a success factor for the Portuguese? It's all secondary. Only Ronaldo mattered.
BBC mocks Ronaldo after penalty
It was similar at the EM final in 2016, when Ronaldo was forced to leave against France injured before half-time - and as an unofficial co-trainer, he was often seen on the sidelines more than most players on the field.
This time, Ronaldo played the full 120 minutes. "Of course, I was incredibly sad and happy afterwards. That's football. You can't explain what happens. Sometimes it all turns around, and luck changes," said Ronaldo this time, once his world was back in order.
Rarely had he been seen so emotionally during a game. Teammates had to support him, which was often the other way around in the past. "You can't fail if you don't try," emphasized Ronaldo. "Making people happy motivates me the most." In the international media, there were talks of the "Tragedy farce about Cristiano" (Marca) and "Misstiano Penaldo" (BBC).
"An honor to play with him"
It is questionable if the fortunate outcome of the Achtelfinal-Crime series put an end to the debates about Ronaldo's still exposed role. Once again, the veteran took the ball during the match against Slovenia, despite all standards. In contrast to the well-shot penalty, some free kick attempts were unsuccessful. During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a similar situation during the tournament led to Goncalo Ramos eventually replacing Ronaldo in the starting lineup - the subsequent Achtelfinal match against Switzerland was then won with a score of 6:1.
However, there is no one on the team willing to replace Ronaldo this time. "Only those who shoot penalties can miss. He showed us the way to victory. The captain's cabin is behind him. We are very satisfied with him," said Chief Coach Roberto Martinez about his captain.
Even Matchwinner Costa wanted to keep quiet about his heroic actions in the showdown and instead gushed: "We all know that Cristiano works the hardest. I can understand how frustrated he is. It is an honor and a joy to play with him."
- Following his emotional performance in the shootout against Slovenia, Cristiano Ronaldo's Instagram posts were filled with messages of support from his fans worldwide.
- The BBC, known for its critical commentary, joked about Ronaldo's missed penalty during the post-match analysis, adding to the ongoing debates about his role in the team.
- After the dramatic victory, Slovenia's Coach praised the resilience of his team, highlighting the performance of goalkeeper Diogo Costa who saved three penalties, including one from Ronaldo.
- In Frankfurt am Main, fans gathered to celebrate Portugal's Round of sixteen victory, their chants echoing through the streets, their excitement palpable on Instagram.
- Ahead of the semifinal match against France, Portuguese players visited the famous Römer Square in Hamburg, taking in the city's rich history and European charm while preparing for their upcoming game.
- In a candid interview with a local German newspaper, Kylian Mbappé discussed his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, emphasizing that both players share a common goal: to make their mothers proud.
- Born in Slovenia, goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who put up a valiant defense during the match against Portugal, has been hailed as the next big thing in European soccer, with many experts predicting a bright future for him in the game.
- After Portugal's victory, Lawn magazine published a special feature on the European Championship, focusing on the historical significance of Cristiano Ronaldo's tournament performances and his impact on the sport.
- In Frankfurt, spectators cheered as Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of Portugal, celebrated his team's triumph during the Round of sixteen match against Slovenia, his face filled with relief and joy.
- In the heart of France, young soccer stars, including Kylian Mbappé, watched the progress of the European Championship with a mix of excitement and nervousness as they prepared to face Portugal in the semifinals.
