Well that was my third hardest sports loss to swallow as a fan. Portugal vs Greece in 04 is the top, followed by Flames and Lightning Game 7.
This one was tough for a number of reasons
1. It was Spain
2. Portugal deserved to be there and played Spain really well. Didn't like how Spain took over in ET. I think if ET was 10 minutes longer, Spain would have scored.
3. First ever Portugal shootout loss that I've experienced, it hurts.
4. Ronaldo's window is closing and this might have been Portugal's best chance with him in his prime.
5. I shudder when I think of this team minus Ronaldo 5-6 years from now. I don't see much in terms of youth. I know they were runner up at last year's world youth championship, but there wasn't a ton of standouts. Nelson Oliveira is a Ronaldo like whiner with way less skill. He'll amount to nothing.
In regards to Ronaldo being the 5th kick taker, I've never been a fan of that philosophy, but Bruno Alves missed by half an inch. It's not like he had a horrid shot, so pinning the loss on that decision doesn't seem fair to me. Not to mention, Ronaldo has missed his last two PK's(CL semi, friendly versus Turkey), he was not guaranteed to score. I did find it strange that the two centre backs were part of the 5 takers, but I think Bento wanted the more veteran guys to test their nerves. I understand his thinking.
This one stings, but now my focus is on watching Italy and their "Italian every two years" fans that dominate the streets in my city lose.
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