Ronaldo showed great composure after missing a penalty kick

Cristiano Ronaldo expressed confidence after Portugal’s 1-0 win against the Republic of Ireland in the 2026 World Cup qualifying match, even though he experienced the frustration of missing a penalty chance.

The match took place at Estadio Jose Alvalade (Lisbon) with a one-sided flow. Portugal dominated possession and continuously pressured their opponents with relentless attacks. At the 17th minute, Ronaldo unleashed a powerful shot that hit the post, sparking a series of dangerous chances. Bernardo Silva then had a follow-up attempt but missed, much to the disappointment of the fans.

Ireland’s goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher had an outstanding performance. He made several spectacular saves, including a reflex stop right on the goal line after a tricky corner kick from Bruno Fernandes in the 40th minute. However, the most significant moment came in the 75th minute when Portugal was awarded a penalty after Dara O’Shea handled the ball inside the box. Ronaldo took the responsibility, but his shot was brilliantly saved by Kelleher.

The cameras captured Ronaldo covering his face in disappointment while the fans in the stands fell silent. Nevertheless, the 40-year-old superstar did not lose spirit. He kept pushing until the final minutes, constantly urging his teammates forward to find the winning goal. Portugal’s efforts were finally rewarded in stoppage time when Ruben Neves quickly finished amid a chaotic situation, sealing the 1-0 victory.

After the match, Ronaldo posted a brief message on social media: “One more step taken! Let’s keep moving forward!”,a strong statement reflecting his fighting spirit and confidence aimed at securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Although he didn’t score, Ronaldo demonstrated his significant influence on the field as a leader, always motivating his teammates during challenging moments.

According to statistics, Ronaldo had seven shots in the match but failed to score. Still, he was regarded as one of Portugal’s most hardworking players. At 40 years old, this veteran striker remains an irreplaceable choice in coach Roberto Martinez’s lineup, who places full trust in his experience and resilience.

With the victory over Ireland, Portugal strengthened their position at the top of the group and moved closer to securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, Ireland fought valiantly but left Lisbon with a disappointing defeat.

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