Ronaldo’s Likely Last Euros Match Ends in Heartbreak
France secured a spot in the Euro 2024 semi-finals after a dramatic 5-3 penalty shootout victory over Portugal, following a goalless 120 minutes on Friday. Theo Hernandez scored the decisive kick, ending what is likely Cristiano Ronaldo’s last-ever match at the tournament.
France converted all their penalties, while Portugal’s Joao Felix was the only player to miss, hitting the post with his team’s third attempt. This win marks overdue success in a shoot-out for France, who previously lost the 2022 World Cup final on penalties to Argentina and were knocked out of the last Euros in the same manner by Switzerland.
Kylian Mbappe, who missed a crucial penalty in the shoot-out against Switzerland, was subbed off midway through extra time. France coach Didier Deschamps praised his team, saying, “I am proud of my players. Even if we are not doing everything perfectly, we don’t give up.”
Mbappe had a frustrating evening, still wearing a mask to protect his broken nose from an earlier match. Despite this, he will have another chance to shine in the semi-final. Meanwhile, Ronaldo, at 39, seems to have played his last Euros, failing to add to his record 14 goals in the tournament.
In another quarter-final match, Spain edged out Germany with a 2-1 win thanks to a last-minute goal by Mikel Merino at the end of extra time.
Dani Olmo initially put Spain ahead before Germany’s Florian Wirtz equalized to force extra time. Merino’s late header secured Spain’s place in the semi-finals, ending Germany’s hopes of a home victory.
Spain will now face France in the semi-finals, promising another thrilling encounter as both teams vie for a spot in the final.
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