Cristiano’s had better nights
Portugal’s five-year reign as European champions is over.
A single goal, scored by Thorgan Hazard, was enough for Belgium to progress to the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 at their expense after a tense contest in Seville.
Save for a couple of free-kicks, Cristiano Ronaldo hardly had a sniff of goal as his side were thwarted by Roberto Martinez’s men.
After full-time, Ronaldo’s frustration was clear for all to see. Having tossed his armband to the ground shortly after the game ended, he did so again as he was seen making his way to the dressing room.
After a brief exchange with Kevin De Bruyne, Ronaldo can be seen kicking away a water bottle as he leaves the pitch. Soon after, he does the same with his armband, which is swiftly picked up by a man who accompanies the Juventus man out of sight.
The 36-year-old’s animated gestures as he disappears down the tunnel add to the sense that he has, without doubt, had better nights.
Cristiano Ronaldo kicking the Armband of Portugal 🇵🇹 after defeat vs Belgium.
Leader or Sore Loser 🤔 pic.twitter.com/FAvVD0XsRC
— Semper Fi (@SemperFiMessi) June 27, 2021
De Bruyne had been withdrawn through injury shortly after the interval, with Portugal beginning to create more chances as the game approached full-time.
Although they struck the woodwork and Joao Felix dragged a late shot wide – much to the disgust of Roy Keane – an equaliser was beyond their reach.
Belgium, ranked as the best side in the world, progress to the last eight, where they will face Roberto Mancini’s Italy side, who edged past Austria after extra-time on Saturday.
