Cristiano Ronaldo`s penalty attempt was heavily criticized as fans joked that “Rasmus Hojlund got in his head.”
Coming into the match, Ronaldo`s team was down 1-0 from the first leg, a game where Hojlund scored the winning goal for Denmark in Copenhagen.
Following his goal in the first leg, the Manchester United player celebrated with Ronaldo`s signature “Siu” move.
Before Sunday`s game, Ronaldo responded sharply to a journalist`s questions about his current form.
Ronaldo had also called on Portuguese fans to support the team in their bid to reach the Nations League semi-finals.
However, in Lisbon, the veteran striker squandered a golden opportunity to uplift the home crowd when he stepped up for a penalty early in the game.
Portugal was awarded a penalty just five minutes into the match, offering them a significant chance to level the tie.
Ronaldo, the all-time leading international scorer with 135 goals, took responsibility for the penalty.
Despite his familiar run-up, Ronaldo`s penalty kick lacked power and precision.
Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel easily saved the weak shot.
Reactions online quickly poured in, with fans commenting on Ronaldo`s miss.
One fan commented, “That’s got to be one of the poorest penalties I’ve ever witnessed.”
Another added, “Rasmus Hojlund definitely got into Ronaldo’s head.”
One more noted, “Hojlund channeled Ronaldo last week, and now Ronaldo is playing like Hojlund.”
Another questioned, “Why didn’t he strike it with more force?”
Despite the penalty miss, Ronaldo later contributed to Portugal`s victory, helping them secure a Nations League semi-final spot. He scored as Portugal defeated Denmark 5-2 after extra time, winning 5-3 on aggregate.
Portugal`s first goal in the match was an own goal by Joachim Andersen, leveling the score at 1-1 on aggregate.
Denmark then took the lead again in the 57th minute through Rasmus Kristensen.
Ronaldo eventually scored in the 72nd minute to equalize once more.
However, Denmark responded quickly with a goal from Christian Eriksen.
Francisco Trincao`s excellent strike in the 86th minute pushed the game into extra time.
In extra time, goals from Trincao and Goncalo Ramos secured Portugal`s place in the semi-finals.
