PIERS MORGAN SUMS UP CRISTIANO RONALDO IN ONE WORD AFTER TEARFUL PENALTY DRAMA

Piers Morgan has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal beat Slovenia on penalties to reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.

The game ended 0-0, with Ronaldo missing several big chances including a penalty in extra-time which was saved by Jan Oblak. However, Ronaldo stepped up and scored in the penalty shootout, with Portugal winning 3-0 after Diogo Costa saved all three of Slovenia's spot kicks.

Portugal will now meet France in the quarter-finals in Hamburg after they beat Belgium 1-0 in their last-16 clash thanks to a Jan Vertonghen own goal. And after Ronaldo redeemed himself in the shootout, Morgan simply tweeted: "Cojones. #Ronaldo".

Morgan also posted an image of Ronaldo celebrating, including the caption: "Never doubt him. There’s a reason he's the greatest of all time." Ronaldo burst into tears after missing his penalty in extra-time and admitted after the game that Euro 2024 will be his final European Championships.

Speaking to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, Ronaldo said: "It is, without doubt, my last European Championship. But I’m not emotional about that. I'm moved by all that football means — by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm for seeing my supporters, my family, the affection people have for me.

"It's not about leaving the world of football. What else is there for me to do or win? It's not going to come down to one point more or one point less. Making people happy is what motivates me the most."

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Reflecting on his missed penalty, he added: "A direct shot to give the team the lead. I didn't manage it. Oblak made a good save. I have to see the penalty, I don't know if I shot well or badly, but I haven't missed once all year, and when I needed it most, Oblak saved it.

"I think Portugal deserved it because we had more authority. Slovenia spent almost the entire game defending... it's very difficult and the whole team is to be congratulated, especially our goalkeeper who made three very good saves.

"Portugal was always on top of it, pressing hard, but for one reason or another, didn't score. The pitch wasn't great, it was very tough but I'd say all things considered, we were better.

"We deservedly reached the quarter-finals. We're still very excited, we want to enjoy our game, give the fans some joy and happiness and this is our life. This is how we live."

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2024-07-02T06:53:32Z dg43tfdfdgfd