Cristiano Ronaldo’s fiery temperament was back on display on Wednesday after Portugal’s surprising 1-0 defeat to Slovenia in a Euro 2024 qualifier. The 38-year-old superstar, who recently earned recognition as the most searched athlete of the past 25 years by Google, cut a frustrated figure throughout the match and his emotions boiled over after the final whistle.
While Ronaldo started the match and had a few decent scoring opportunities, he was unable to find the net. The Portuguese team, missing some key players, struggled to create clear chances against a determined Slovenian side. To add insult to injury, a controversial penalty shout in Portugal’s favor late in the game was waved away by the referee.
This decision seemed to be the tipping point for Ronaldo. Cameras captured him remonstrating with the referee on the pitch before disappearing down the tunnel in a rage. Reports suggest he continued his outburst in the locker room, with some outlets claiming he even “attacked” the referee’s decision verbally.
Fan reactions on social media were divided. Some fans, accustomed to Ronaldo’s intense desire to win, expressed understanding for his frustration. They argued that his passion for the game and his country is undeniable. They pointed to his recent goal scoring form for his Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, with 16 goals in 15 league matches, as evidence of his continued commitment to excellence.
However, others were critical of Ronaldo’s behavior. The hashtag #NoPenaltyNoParty trended on Twitter in Portugal, with fans accusing him of being a poor sport and “ghosting” his national team when things don’t go their way. They questioned his leadership qualities and suggested his focus might be divided between his club career and international duty.
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This incident adds another layer to the ongoing discussion surrounding Ronaldo’s twilight years as a footballer. While his goalscoring prowess remains impressive, his on-field demeanor and influence on team morale are increasingly being scrutinized. With Portugal’s qualification campaign for Euro 2024 far from secure, manager Fernando Santos will have a tough decision to make regarding Ronaldo’s role in the upcoming matches. Will he continue to rely on the veteran’s experience, or will he prioritize a more balanced and composed team dynamic? Only time will tell how Ronaldo responds to this latest setback and whether he can help Portugal navigate their way to the European Championship finals.
