Toluwani Lasisi
The god of soccer was not on the better-tapping side on Friday night as an uninspiring eliminated a more engaging Portugal from EURO 24.
The match was decided with a penalty shootout after the extended game ended a barren draw.
Another surprise of the game was that despite the heroics of goalkeeper Diogo Costa in Portugal’s last-16 shootout victory over Slovenia, there was no good ending this time around.
All eyes were on 39-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo and France’s Kylian Mbappe but both failed to have an impact, though Ronaldo scored his penalty kick.
While Portugal played well in both halves but lacked the finishing touches, France were not as fluid and inspiring as many had expected, with Kylian Mbappe recording a low show.
While his idol in the opponents’ camp, Ronaldo, was also a shadow of his super self, the oldest player in the tournament, Pepe , played his part well in stopping all France’s attacks.
Mbappe had to be substituted in extra time after an earlier hit to his face, covered with a mask due to a broken nose, so he was unable to take part in the penalty shootout.
Theo Hernandez scored the winning penalty after Portugal’s substitute Joao Felix hit the outside of the post with his effort, the only miss of the shootout.
It marked the end of an era for Ronaldo, who confirmed this week it would be his final Euros.
