Romania's Resurgence at Euro 2024: Ultimate Victory

Portugal National Team and Ronaldo's Emotional Journey

Gab Marcotti and Steve Nicol react to an eventful game for Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed a penalty vs. Slovenia before scoring in Portugal's shootout win. Did 'The Cristiano Ronaldo Show' help or hurt Portugal vs. Slovenia? Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that the European Championship in Germany will be "without a doubt" the last of his impressive career. The 2024 Euros mark Ronaldo's record-breaking sixth appearance in a European Championships. The next tournament will be hosted by the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland in four years, when Ronaldo will be 43. Ronaldo, who made his debut with Portugal in 2003 and won the tournament 2016, is the men's all-time leading scorer with 130 goals. Ronaldo's mental strength was tested on Monday when he saw his 114th-minute penalty shot kept out by Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak. Portugal won the round-of-16 game, beating Slovenia in a penalty shootout that saw Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa save all three of Slovenia's attempts. Portugal will now face France in the quarterfinals on Friday.

Romania's Footballing Resurgence at Euro 2024

No matter the outcome of their last-16 clash with the Netherlands in Munich on Tuesday, this is already a footballing summer to remember for Romania. Tricolorii returned to the football mainstage, topping their group at Euro 2024 after missing out on qualification for the past three major tournaments. At Euro 2016, when they last featured in a big competition before this one in Germany, they were led by Anghel Iordanescu, none other than the father of their current manager, Edward. Romania underperformed at Euro 2016 and were eventually knocked out in the group stage after losing a qualification decider to Albania. It took eight years and four discharged managers to restore hope. Romania is a football-mad country, but the lack of success at both club and national team levels has seen belief among fans dip to unprecedented lows. But what exactly changed to boost morale and make Romanians from all corners of the world feel that they were part of something remarkable at Euro 2024?