Shivendra Singh
Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe, two veteran Portuguese players, were emotional after Portugal’s quarterfinal defeat to France in a penalty shootout at Euro 2024. Ronaldo, who was playing in his record sixth and final European Championship at age 39, consoled the 41-year-old Pepe as he cried on his captain’s shoulder after the match.
The match ended 0-0 after extra time, with neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor his childhood idol Kylian Mbappé scoring. France prevailed 5-3 in the penalty shootout, with Ronaldo scoring Portugal’s first penalty but substitute Joao Felix missing the only shot for Portugal.
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Pepe expressed the pain of the loss, saying “We need to go through this moment of our loss, which is very painful”. Cristiano Ronaldo’s 20-year Euros career included winning the title in 2016 when Portugal beat France in the final, but it remains uncertain if he will continue playing for Portugal through the 2026 World Cup when he turns 41.
France goalkeeper Mike Maignan acknowledged it was a difficult match, saying “We didn’t always play that great, it was a complicated game. We got to the penalty shootout and didn’t waver. We can be proud of ourselves.” France will face Spain in the semifinals after their 1-0 extra time win over Germany.
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