Portugal are officially OUT FROM EURO 2024: Was this Ronaldo’s last match for Portugal?

Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Portugal were knocked out of Euro 2024 after losing to Kylian Mbappe‘s France via a nail-biting penalty shootout and will now face Spain in the semis.

France beat Portugal on penalties

France ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s bid to win the title at his last European Championship by beating Portugal 5-3 in a penalty shootout to reach the semifinals on Friday. Portugal’s Joao Felix was the only player to miss, sending his team’s third kick against the post. Theo Hernandez scored the winning kick as Kylian Mbappe’s France edged a tense Euro 2024 quarterfinal clash with Portugal 5-3 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes.

The game between France and Portugal was a rematch of the Euro 2016 final. This game was also coming on the 18th anniversary of another pivotal clash between the sides: a game at the 2006 FIFA World Cup when Zinedine Zidane smashed the winner through a penalty in the semifinals.

Mbappe, wearing a mask due to a broken nose, was substituted in extra time after a hit to his face, missing the shootout. The match was tight, with Portugal having the best chances. Maignan denied Fernandes and Vitinha, while Kolo Muani’s shot was deflected wide. Camavinga missed a close-range opportunity. In extra time, Ronaldo’s miss from Conceicao’s cutback stunned fans. Portugal’s luck ran out after a second consecutive shootout.

The Cristiano Ronaldo Show is finally over? 

Ronaldo, in the spotlight himself having failed to score for the first time at a major tournament here in Germany, could not get into the game and offered very little in Portugal’s attack.

Portugal’s totemic forward has made no pronouncements on his future with the national team, the 39-year-old struggled to revive former glories at the tournament in Germany and departed Euro 2024 without scoring apart from in shootouts.

When asked about Ronaldo, Martinez was then pressed on Ronaldo’s future and insisted: “It’s too soon and raw after the match to talk about that and there have been no individual decisions made.”

Pepe broke into tears 

Pepe broke into tears after the match as the 41-year-old Pepe signed off, from what surely is his final appearance in the competition. Legendary Cristiano Ronaldo consoled his compatriot Pepe after Portugal was knocked out of the Euro 2024 after their quarter-final loss to France on Friday.

Pepe was the best player for Portugal during the match against France.

Player ratings in France vs. Portugal

Pepe was the best player for Portugal during the match against France.

Dembélé changed the game for France and scored his penalty. His pace and ability made him dangerous all the time.

The next challenge is tough for France

While France has reached the semis of Euro-2024, now the semi-finals will be very difficult for them as they will face Spain in the semi-finals who are considered to be the favourites to win this competition.