Portugal’s European Championship campaign came to a heartbreaking end in the quarterfinal against France, with a penalty miss by Joao Felix proving decisive in the 5-3 shootout loss. The match, which concluded with a goalless draw after extra time, marked a potential farewell for Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who had declared this tournament his last.
Felix’s missed penalty, the only one of the shootout, sent a wave of disappointment through the Portuguese ranks. Manager Roberto Martinez, however, remained supportive, emphasizing the team’s unity and the inherent risk involved in penalty shootouts. “The whole squad was supporting each other, and only players who never shoot a penalty never miss,” Martinez stated, highlighting Felix’s commitment to the team.
Theo Hernandez capitalized on Felix’s miss, converting France’s winning penalty and securing their place in the semifinals. The result likely marks the end of Ronaldo’s illustrious international career. The 39-year-old, who converted Portugal’s first penalty, was visibly emotional after the match, embracing a tearful Pepe, whose international career also appears to have come to a close.
Ronaldo’s potential swan song was marred by a missed opportunity in extra time, when he failed to capitalize on a chance from close range. Despite the disappointment, Martinez commended his team’s performance, highlighting their strong possession and unwavering determination. “The individual talent of this team is there for all of us to see,” he said, acknowledging their resilience and commitment to playing in true Portuguese style. “We lost but we lost with pride, always giving everything in every minute. We won’t stop here. In the future, we will give everything.”
The defeat marks the end of a chapter for Portuguese football, with Ronaldo’s departure likely ushering in a new era. While the emotions surrounding the loss are raw, Martinez’s message of pride and unwavering commitment suggests a bright future for the Portuguese national team.
