Liverpool fans were raging with Cristiano Ronaldo after the veteran striker missed a penalty won by Diogo Jota and started crying .
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner missed a penalty during extra-time as Portugal battled against Slovenia at the round of 16 stage during Euro 2024 . Ronaldo instantly burst into tears and had to be consoled during half-time of the additional 30-minute period, which ended goalless.
Ronaldo had a lucky escape, as Portugal ended up winning via a penalty shootout, confirming its place in the quarter-finals where it faces France on Friday. But the frustrations surrounding Ronaldo have been ongoing all tournament, and not just from Liverpool fans.
Many supporters believe that playing Ronaldo actually hinders the Portuguese national team, one that boasts one of the most talented rosters in the competition. In each game both Jota and Goncalo Ramos have looked bright when coming off the bench, both being natural replacements for Ronaldo.
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Liverpool fans really lost it after Jota won a penalty to save the day for Portugal before Ronaldo picked up the ball and missed the opportunity. Ronaldo standing in an offside position ruled out a goal scored by Jota earlier in the tournament when Portugal battled against the Czech Republic in the group stages.
"The fact Jota doesn't start instead of Ronaldo is sickening has literally their best attacker," one fan wrote on social media. Another added: "Jota does so well to create a penalty just for Ronaldo to miss it."
"Starting him over Jota is a crime," one fan said. Another angrily wrote: "If Portugal were serious about winning the Euros they'd have dropped Ronaldo for Jota. He is the single biggest reason they won't get near winning it."
Ronaldo has kept his place in the starting lineup during Euro 2024 despite not scoring a single goal, and wasting multiple chances, and is often being seen as the weak link in a talented Portugal attack. The 39-year-old still wants to perform at the top level and believes he is still the best in the world, but his performances say otherwise.
His tears on the field spoke volumes, almost as if it was an admission to himself that he was no longer the finisher he once was. Ronaldo is the top international goalscorer in soccer history but can't seem to score in Euro 2024, despite having multiple chances in front of the goal each game.
Portugal has struggled after winning its opening two games, losing 2-0 to Georgia before a tense stalemate against France. Head coach Roberto Martinez went straight over to Ronaldo after Portugal progressed to the next round, but he faces a big call ahead of Friday's game, as missed opportunities against France will likely lead to elimination from Euro 2024.
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