Cristiano Ronaldo has been playing at the top level for more than two decades. Recently, CR7 contributed greatly to Portugal's 2025 Nations League championship, with eight goals, the most in Division A. The 40-year-old striker also scored in both the semi-finals and the final. Overwhelmed by emotion after the thrilling victory in the final against Spain, Ronaldo burst into tears. Those were CR7's tears of happiness after Ruben Neves successfully converted the decisive penalty to bring Portugal their second Nations League championship in six years. That victory could not have been sweeter, as Ronaldo and his teammates defeated the "invincible" Spain team after a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
In this match, Spain could not maintain their advantage after two goals from Martin Zubimendi in the 21st minute and Mikel Oyarzabal in the 45th minute. In the 26th minute, Nuno Mendes shot diagonally to equalize 1-1 for Portugal. In the 61st minute, after a cross from the left wing, Ronaldo scored to equalize 2-2. In the 88th minute, the 40-year-old striker left the field to make way for Goncalo Ramos. With the score tied 2-2 in regular time and extra time, the two teams had to take a penalty shootout. During the penalty shootout, CR7 stood on the sidelines with the reserve players or had already left the field. Every time a Portuguese player stood before the 11m mark, Ronaldo looked and then covered his face. Before the fifth kick, the Portuguese captain did not even dare to look anymore, he covered his face, hiding behind defender Dalot before Neves took the decisive kick.
Just like when he won the Champions League for the first time in 2008 with Man Utd, after the penalty shootout, Ronaldo collapsed on the field and cried, instead of running to hug and cheer with his teammates. In this match, when Neves succeeded in the decisive kick, the 40-year-old captain collapsed on the field and burst into tears. His teammates ran to a corner of the field to jump on each other and cheer. After calming down, Ronaldo entered the field to share the joy with his teammates. CR7 also left a beautiful image when he went to comfort his teammate who played with him at Real Madrid and Juventus - Morata, the only player who missed a penalty in the shootout.
By defeating the reigning Euro champions, Portugal showed that they are still capable of competing for the title. Ronaldo's next target is none other than the 2026 World Cup. CR7 is still capable of aiming for his first world title at the age of 41. The facts have proven that it is completely possible. Ronaldo has scored 24 goals and assisted twice in 39 finals in his career. This achievement is only behind Lionel Messi, with 35 goals and 15 assists in 49 finals.
According to Carlo Ancelotti, head coach of the Brazilian team, Ronaldo's victory in the Nations League with Portugal shows that the Portuguese striker is still at the top level at the age of 40. He shared, "I am very happy about the Nations League title that Ronaldo just won with the Portuguese team. Ronaldo is truly a legend. At the age of 40, Ronaldo is still performing at the highest level and he can play for any team and any national team in the world." Hopefully, the "tireless bird" will win the only title he is missing, which is the World Cup.
Source: https://baobinhthuan.com.vn/canh-chim-khong-moi-130975.html
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