Cristiano Ronaldo`s penalty kick in the Nations League play-off match against Denmark has been widely criticized as exceptionally poor. Fans online suggested that it was due to psychological pressure from Rasmus Hojlund.
Portugal was trailing 1-0 from the first leg, a game where Hojlund scored the winning goal in Copenhagen.
Before the crucial second leg match, Ronaldo responded sharply to a journalist`s questions about his current form.
Ronaldo had also called on Portuguese supporters to rally behind the team and help them advance to the Nations League semi-finals.
However, the veteran striker failed to capitalize on a golden opportunity to boost the home crowd`s spirits in Lisbon.
Just five minutes into the game, Portugal was awarded a penalty, offering them a perfect chance to level the score.
Ronaldo, the all-time leading international scorer with 135 goals, stepped up to take the penalty.
But his attempt was weak and easily saved by Denmark`s goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
Social media was quickly flooded with reactions to Ronaldo`s missed penalty.
One fan commented it was “one of the worst penalties I’ve ever seen.”
Another suggested, “Rasmus Hojlund got into Ronaldo’s head.”
One observer humorously noted the tables had turned: “Last week Hojlund turned into Ronaldo, so this time he turned up as Hojlund.”
Another questioned Ronaldo’s approach, asking, “Why didn’t he shoot with full power?”
Despite the penalty miss, Ronaldo later contributed to Portugal`s victory, scoring a goal as they defeated Denmark 5-2 in extra time, securing a 5-3 aggregate win and a place in the Nations League semi-finals.
Portugal`s equalizing goal came in an unusual manner when Joachim Andersen scored an own goal, making it 1-0 for Portugal on the night and 1-1 overall.
Denmark then took the lead in the 57th minute through Rasmus Kristensen, who scored with a header at the far post, mirroring Andersen`s own goal.
Ronaldo eventually scored in the 72nd minute.
However, Denmark quickly responded, with Christian Eriksen scoring shortly after.
Portugal ultimately secured the win in extra time, with goals from Francisco Trincao and Goncalo Ramos.
