In the early morning of July 6, Beijing time, a tense and exciting European Cup 1/4 final was staged on the green field. Two powerful football teams – Portugal and France – went back and forth for 120 minutes and neither could break the door to make it 0-0. In the subsequent penalty shootout, Portugal lost 3-5 to France and missed the semi-finals. This match is not only a contest between the two teams, but also a farewell match for Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo on the European Championship stage. Ronaldo's performance in this European Championship is full of decline, with zero goals and only one assist in five games, which is embarrassing.
Looking back at Cristiano Ronaldo's European Championship journey, this is his sixth appearance in the tournament, making him the first man in history. However, the soccer superstar's performances at this tournament have been a bit lacking compared to his past glories. Especially in the 1/8 finals, Ronaldo missed a solo goal against Slovenia and missed a penalty in extra time, almost becoming the sinner of the team's elimination. Thankfully, goalkeeper Costa's heroic performance helped Portugal survive the storm.
According to statistics, Ronaldo had 20 shots on goal in his first four games without scoring anything, setting an embarrassing European Championship record. Cristiano Ronaldo continued to start against France, but had only 11 touches of the ball in the first half and failed to form an effective shot. Although both sides created a lot of chances in the second half, Ronaldo still received the ball very few times. In the end, he missed a great chance to shoot from close range in extra-time.
Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring in the shoot-out, but his team-mates were unable to get it all done, especially Felix hitting the post, which led to Portugal's 5-3 defeat. After the game, Ronaldo tearfully hugged Pepe, a veteran who may have experienced what may be the last European Championship, and the tears of the two players were particularly bleak. This scene has undoubtedly become one of the most touching moments of this European Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo's attitude towards this European Championship is very clear, and he has said that although he knows this is his last European Cup, he is motivated by his love of football, the support of fans, family and team-mates, and nothing else. However, despite the strong drive and enthusiasm, the years have not forged the years, and even the superstars on the football field cannot escape the loss of physical strength and form.
Although the ending of this game was a blow to the Portuguese team and Ronaldo personally, it also reminded us that football games are always full of variables, and every attack, every defense, can change the outcome of the game. For Cristiano Ronaldo, although he failed to lead Portugal far this time, his legendary status in the world of football is unshakable.