After defeating Slovenia in a penalty shootout on Monday, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal squad advanced to the European Championship quarterfinals, capping a thrilling personal drama-filled game.

Ronaldo’s extra-time spot kick in the 114th minute was stopped by Slovenian goalie Jan Oblak, forcing the last-16 match to a shootout. Extra time and regulation ended in a 0-0 draw.

Ronaldo scored Portugal’s first penalty kick when the game proceeded to penalties, and teammate Diogo Costa stopped all three of Slovenia’s attempts from Josip Ilicic, Jure Balkovec, and Benjamin Verbič.

“Happy at the end, sad at the beginning.” It’s the nature of football. Moments, unexplainable moments,” Ronaldo remarked after the final whistle in an on-field interview.

“A straight shot to give the group the advantage. I was unable to complete it. Oblak performed a nice save. I have to watch the penalty. I’m not sure if I shot good or poorly, but I haven’t missed a single attempt this year, and Oblak saved me when I needed it most.”

Portugal added goals from Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva to win the shootout 3-0 with two seconds remaining.

Portugal deserved it, in my opinion, since we had more might. The entire team should be commended, especially our custodian Costa, who made three excellent saves, as Slovenia defended for the majority of the match, Ronaldo continued.

In a replay of the 2016 final that Portugal won in Paris, Portugal will take on France in the quarterfinals on Friday in Hamburg.

During his news conference after the game, Portugal’s coach Roberto Martinez described Ronaldo as “an example for us.” “Those feelings are amazing [after missing the penalty]. After his career and all that he has accomplished, he doesn’t really need to care.

“He was the first to attempt a penalty after missing it. I was positive he had to lead the way and lead us to victory. We’re rather proud of the way he responded, which serves as an example.”

At Euro 2024, Ronaldo, 39, entered the match without a goal.

After squandering five or six of the kind of opportunities he has been thriving on for the past 20 years at this level, he was forced to make history in the first extra time period, at the 105th minute, becoming the oldest player to score at a Euros finals competition.

Ronaldo took the penalty kick that Portugal had been awarded, and it might have been the game-winning goal.

Rather, Oblak, a longtime rival from their La Liga days in Madrid, dove to the left and blocked the well-hit shot that went against the post and out of danger.

Ronaldo started to cry during the interval that preceded the start of the second extra time. His teammates gave him consolation, forehead kisses, and encouragement to press on.

TV images from the stadium showed Ronaldo’s mother sobbing as well after he missed his penalty.

Slovenia’s first kick in the penalty shootout was saved by Portugal custodian Costa, and extra time likewise ended in a score of 0-0.

Ronaldo walked up to a throng of perhaps 10,000 Portugal supporters gathered in a stand. He positioned it precisely below Oblak’s dive to his right.

Ronaldo clasped his hands together as though in prayer and cast a regretful glance at the supporters. The supporters reacted by yelling “Siuuuu,” which is their soccer icon’s signature goal scream, loudly and forgivingly.

For Ronaldo, the first ninety minutes were frustrating, but the dramatic ending came in extra time.

Following three free kicks and two poorly placed headers, the Portugal international appeared certain to score on his first open-play, clear-cut shooting opportunity.

It happened in the 89th minute when the ball was wonderfully passed into his stride as he raced clear on goal. Although the left-foot shot was strong and low, Oblak’s stop was superior. Once more, Ronaldo extended his arms in frustration.

Portugal is currently vying for the European championship it shared with Slovenia in 2016, where the team is essentially undefeated after drawing all four of their games at Euro 2024.

Coach Matjaz Kek stated of Ronaldo, “His emotions show respect for Slovenia, and that is what I am content with.”

This story included information from Reuters, The Associated Press, and ESPN’s Rob Dawson.