Tearful Cristiano Ronaldo a frustrated football great battling with Father Time
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Cristiano Ronaldo being comforted by teammates after missing a penalty in extra time during their Euro last-16 game with Slovenia.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
FRANKFURT – “Time beat him. Time takes everybody out. It’s undefeated,” said Rocky Balboa in the film Creed.
Those words could easily be applied to Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who struggled to impose himself on their Euro 2024 last-16 game with Slovenia on July 1.
A tearful Ronaldo being embraced and comforted by teammates – after missing a penalty in extra time that could have helped Portugal secure a spot in the quarter-finals before a shoot-out win – is a cathartic image that stunned fans around the world.
Portugal won 3-0 on penalties minutes later, with Ronaldo converting the first spot kick and apologising to fans immediately after scoring before breaking down in tears following the game and being unable to finish an interview.
His tears in Frankfurt showed more than just the sorrow or guilt of a player feeling the weight of responsibility from almost letting his country down.
They were the tears of a frustrated player who expects greatness but was not the difference maker he once was.
His coach Roberto Martinez, however, continues to defend him. “Those emotions are incredible for someone who has done so much, that’s why I thank him... only the penalty takers can miss penalties,” said Martinez.
“I was certain he had to be the first taker (in the shoot-out) and show us our way to the victory. Everyone is very proud of our captain. He gives us all a lesson, to have real high standards and never give up.”
During the 2022 World Cup, Ronaldo said “the best timing is my timing”
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, had wanted to show he could still make a difference on the world stage. But he ended the tournament on the bench and had no impact as a substitute in the 1-0 quarter-final loss to Morocco.
After that defeat, the shocking image of Ronaldo running to the tunnel in tears, as desolate as the football world had ever seen him, was something Portugal fans were not used to.
But, with long-time Portugal coach Fernando Santos gone and newcomer Roberto Martinez trusting him with the captaincy and a leadership role in a young and talented squad, Ronaldo was given another shot at glory in Euro 2024.
Despite being a model of longevity for more than two decades in an outstanding career, breaking numerous records and playing for some of the biggest clubs, Ronaldo has been a shadow of his old self over the last two weeks in Germany.
Lacking the speed, explosion and agility that were his trademarks while pouncing on balls like a tiger to plunder goals in various ways that only he was able to, the 2024 version of Ronaldo has yet to score at the Euro after four games.
Against Slovenia, as in the previous three games, his shooting was off kilter and his headers failed to trouble goalkeeper Jan Oblak while his teammates seemed to be forcing the ball to him, disrupting Portugal's tempo and slowing them down.
At 39, Ronaldo would have become the oldest player to score in a European Championship if he had netted his extra-time penalty. But he failed to beat the excellent Oblak and instead of relief came desperation.
Martinez still trusted him to take the first penalty in the shoot-out and Ronaldo duly delivered to help Portugal stay alive at the Euro, with several records that he is still seeking.
Said Ronaldo: “Sadness at the start is joy at the end. That’s what football is. Moments, inexplicable moments.
“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 (Diogo Costa), who made three very good saves.”
They will face France in the quarter-finals with the world questioning whether Ronaldo’s brilliant international career is nearing an end.
There could still be a happy ending for one of the world’s greatest ever players – only time will tell. REUTERS, AFP
