Cristiano Ronaldo Reacts to Portugal Penalty Miss: ‘[I Knew] We Would Progress’ in Nations League 1k6h19

Cristiano Ronaldo has said he was confident that his penalty miss would not hurt Portugal’s chances of progressing to the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League. 

After cutting a frustrating figure in Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Denmark in the Nations League last week, Ronaldo got a gilt-edged opportunity to make amends early in the second leg. Patrick Dorgu pushed Ronaldo inside the box in the third minute, gifting the hosts a penalty. One of the best penalty-takers in the world, Ronaldo, stepped up for the kick, but his effort was far from clinical. His surprisingly limp shot was at a decent height for Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who leapt to his left to preserve Denmark’s lead.

Portugal, however, did not have to pay for the Al-Nassr superstar’s miss, as they claimed a 5-2 victory on the night and progressed to the semi-finals with a 5-3 aggregate scoreline.

Cristiano Ronaldo Was Confident Penalty Miss Would Not Stop Portugal From Progressing 1d6n4k

Discussing his botched penalty against Denmark, Ronaldo said he never felt that his miss would cost Portugal a place in the Nations League semi-finals.

“I felt that even after missing the penalty — [it happens] only to those who try — we would progress in the tie,” said Ronaldo (via ESPN).

“That’s what happened. It was a spectacular night, Portugal played very well; scoring five goals against Denmark is not easy at all. We all deserve congratulations: the players, those who were at the stadium, all the Portuguese. We are all in the same boat, and it was very important to progress to the final four.”

🚨 Another Record: Cristiano Ronaldo has become the oldest player to miss a penalty in the UEFA Nations League, at 40 years and 46 days old. https://t.co/gLPzxVUyjn pic.twitter.com/BXjnsmRZiz

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The former Real Madrid man, however, did not let the miss ruin his night. He put pressure on the Danish defenders and got on the scoresheet in the 72nd minute, leveling the tie on aggregate. After Bruno Fernandes’ effort bounced back off the post, Ronaldo intercepted the ball and found the netting from a tight angle.

Ronaldo’s goal, however, did not turn out to be decisive, as Christian Eriken pulled Denmark in front just four minutes later. Luckily for the Portuguese fans, Trincao came up with a timely strike in the 86th minute to make the tie 3-3. Inside the first minute of extra time, Trincao doubled his money, firing Portugal into the lead. Goncalo Ramos then scored in the 115th minute to seal the win.

Ronaldo and Co. will face in the Nations League semi-finals on June 4.