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Please do not mock: The tears of Cristiano Ronaldo
There was an incredible drama that unfolded around the half-time whistle in extra time in the round of 16 match between Portugal and Slovenia. Portugal was awarded a penalty after a foul on Diogo Jota, and of course Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed the ball.
From the very first second, it was clear how much the 39-year-old wanted to finally score his first goal at this European Championship. Personally, to make history again and become the oldest European Championship goalscorer of all time. But also, of course, to put his team in the lead in such a complicated game and keep the dream of winning the European Championship alive.
But Ronaldo failed. He aimed for the right corner from his perspective, but Slovenia’s world-class goalkeeper Jan Oblak guessed it. He dove for the ball and deflected it around the post. Shortly afterwards, referee Daniele Orsato blew the whistle for half-time in extra time. And Ronaldo could no longer contain his emotions. When coach Roberto Martínez addressed the team once again, Ronaldo began to cry uncontrollably. You could see how sorry he was for having disappointed his teammates, his country, his loved ones so much. How much he feared that he had thrown away what might be his last chance to win another major tournament.
No matter how much CR7 polarizes, no matter how much you might be a fan of his former long-time rival for the Ballon d’Or, Lionel Messi, and therefore unnecessarily begrudge Ronaldo his successes: in those seconds you couldn’t help but feel deep sympathy for one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Even at the kick-off for the second half of extra time, Ronaldo’s tears in his eyes were clearly visible. It was not just one of the scenes of this game, but of the entire European Championship. And of course, many who may not like Ronaldo will now feel compelled to mock him for his tears. But it is precisely this passion that has made him what he is. That should not be mocked, but rather acknowledged. Especially since Ronaldo then had the strength to step up and score in the penalty shootout. And the greatness to then apologize to the Portuguese fans for his previous miss.
2024-07-02 00:52:28
#stood #Portugal #Slovenia
