RONALDO LOSING HIS BATTLE WITH TIME

Frustration in Frankfurt for tearful Portugal captain, 39, after struggling against Slovenia

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FRANKFURT "Time beat him. Time takes everybody out. It's undefeated," said Rocky Balboa in the film Creed.

Those words could easily be applied to Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, who struggled to impose himself on their Euro 2024 last-16 game with Slovenia on July 1.

A tearful Ronaldo being embraced and comforted by teammates after missing a penalty in extra time that could have helped Portugal secure a spot in the quarter-finals before a shoot-out win is a cathartic image that stunned fans around the world.

Portugal won 3-0 on penalties minutes later, with Ronaldo converting the first spot kick and apologising to fans immediately after scoring before breaking down in tears following the game and being unable to finish an interview.

His tears in Frankfurt showed more than just the sorrow or guilt of a player feeling the weight of responsibility from almost letting his country down.

They were the tears of a frustrated player who expects greatness but was not the difference maker he once was.

His coach Roberto Martinez, however, continues to defend him. "Those emotions are incredible for someone who has done so much, that's why I thank him... only the penalty takers can miss penalties," said Martinez.