Portugal is heading to a blockbuster quarterfinal with France at the European Championship after its star captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, generated compelling viewing on the center stage of the victory over Slovenia. 

It may not seem like much to win a penalty shootout 3-0 following a scoreless draw with the 57th-ranked soccer club in the world. But Ronaldo shed a lot of tears; he apologized to his adoring fans in the guise of a prayer; he made ostentatious gestures with his arms that conveyed his anger, frustration, and exasperation; he missed opportunities to add more tournament history; he retaliated against an old rival goalie; and in the end, he triumphed. TV images from the stadium showed Ronaldo's mother sobbing as well after he missed his penalty. At Euro 2024, Ronaldo, 39, entered the match without a goal.