Cristiano Ronaldo wanted to be the hero in the penalty shootout.
As it turned out, he didn’t even get a kick because Portugal were eliminated long before he’d got the chance to step up and convert as the fifth taker.
Ronaldo has a tendency to wait until last to take his penalty, which works a treat when the preceding shootout plays out in his favour and his kick allows him to soak up the glory and celebrate the game-winning strike by ripping off his shirt and SIIIIIIIIing for the cameras.
But that tactic doesn’t really work when your side sees its first three penalties saved while the opposition is nothing but clinical.
And thanks to a stunning performance from Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo on Wednesday night, that’s just what happened.
One of the best penalty-takers on the planet grimaced from the halfway line as he watched the Manchester City stopper deny him the chance to even take a kick after Portugal’s 0-0 stalemate with the Chileans in the Confederations semi-final.
Ronaldo enjoys being the hero, we all know this.
But his decision on Wednesday night was slated by supporters who felt that the Portugal captain had put his desire for personal glory ahead of what would be best for the national team.
Ronaldo preferring to have the outside chance of being the hero rather than helping his team get off to a positive start. Great leadership.
— Andreas Vou (@AndreasVou89) June 28, 2017
Twice I've seen Portugal in a penalty shoot out, twice #Ronaldo wanted the glory of the 5th pen, twice it's never made it that far #PORCHI pic.twitter.com/azbcjiFDbb
— Nathaniel Hornblower (@ImMeHooYou) June 28, 2017
I hate the cockiness of Ronaldo, always wants to take the 5th to take all the glory. Unlucky pal not, this time.
— Jake Garratt (@GarrattJake) June 28, 2017
Ronaldo didn't even take one. Only wanted the glory, didn't want to risk missing. Best should always go first. #PORCHI #ConfedCup
— William Pike II (@Sports_Soapbox) June 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/CallumCockley/status/880163981255692288
https://twitter.com/ollie_murphy10/status/880163978789490688
https://twitter.com/NiallMartin9/status/880163976428101633
Ronaldo always wanting the glory as 5th pen taker. Step up and give your team a score #ConfedCup
— Josh Moss (@MossMan800) June 28, 2017
Ronaldo wanted personal glory of taking a winning penalty. Once again he puts personal glory ahead of the team.
— Steve Hills (@Merse10) June 28, 2017
How many times is Ronaldo's glory-hunting going to cost them in penalty shootouts?
— Iain (@CemetryGates89) June 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/Fhresh_matic/status/880163913379303424
https://twitter.com/caithnesshibee/status/880163897835171840
