It is the image so far in this Eurocup. Cristiano Ronaldo, the player of the $200 million per season, of luxuries, of the European title in 2016 and of several Champions Leagues with Real Madrid, burst into tears after missing a penalty against Slovenia in extra time of a match that ended 0-0.
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The referee gifted a non-existent penalty to the Portuguese team, but CR7's shot was deflected by Oblak at the 105th minute. Seconds later, the first extra time ended and the 39-year-old veteran started crying while receiving instructions from his coach and had to be comforted by his teammates.
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Diogo Costa saved Portugal and Cristiano.
In a match with little technical brilliance, where the Slovenian team managed to control the attacks and dominance of the Portuguese, the Portuguese team frequently clashed with the rival defense and the solid performance of goalkeeper Jan Oblak, the last line of defense against Cristiano Ronaldo and company's intentions of securing a victory in the 90 minutes of play.
CR7 had three free kicks, and only one worried the Slovenian goalkeeper.
The strong defense of the Slovenians took the match to a thrilling extra time where the former Real Madrid striker could have made history in Portuguese football with the penalty kick that, unlike his usual shots from the spot, he decided to aim to the left of an agile and alert Oblak.
With the score tied 0-0, they went to penalties, and Diogo Costa became a key player for Portugal by stopping all three penalties from Slovenia. On the Portuguese side, all three were converted, and the first one was taken by Cristiano Ronaldo, who this time changed sides and beat the goalkeeper Oblak with his shot.
Diego Costa was a double figure, because at 115 minutes he prevented Sesko's goal in a one-on-one after a serious mistake by Pepe.
This Friday, Portugal will play against France in Hamburg, for a spot in the tournament’s semifinals. The French defeated Belgium 1-0 in the afternoon match.