Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to remonstrate with Slovenia’s coaching team after the final whistle (Image: X)
Cristiano Ronaldo was visibly furious as he walked off the pitch after Portugal’s surprise defeat to Slovenia in a friendly on Tuesday night. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was unable to prevent his side from slipping to a 2-0 loss, with goals from Adam Cerin and Timi Elsnik giving Slovenia a memorable victory.
Ronaldo was not involved in the previous game against Sweden but returned to Portugal’s starting line-up in Ljubljana on Tuesday. The visitors had 10 shots during the match, with two falling Ronaldo’s way, but were unable to take their chances and were made to rue their missed opportunities at the final whistle.
Footage showed Ronaldo was clearly frustrated as he walked down the tunnel after the match, with the 39-year-old waving his arms around while storming off the pitch. He appeared to be remonstrating with Slovenia’s coaching staff in a moment of frustration after the result ended Portugal’s winning streak of 11 games in all competitions.
Ronaldo did not pull up any trees during the match and spent most of his time trying to win fouls and appealing to officials. He has been in fine form for Al-Nassr this season, scoring 23 league goals in just 22 games, but will be desperate to find his shooting boots for Portugal ahead of the Euros this summer.
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The 39-year-old spent most of his time trying to win fouls and arguing with the referee (Image: GETTY)
Roberto Martinez’s side will take part in friendlies against Finland, Croatia and Ireland before flying to Germany with the aim of winning their second European title. They will be the favourites to progress from Group F ahead of the Czech Republic, Turkey and Georgia.
Tuesday’s game was not the only time Ronaldo had lost his cool in recent weeks, with the forward receiving a one-match ban for ‘provoking fans’ in Saudi Arabia last month. While playing for Al-Nassr, he cupped his hand to his ear and made a gesture to Al-Shabab supporters after they chanted Lionel Messi’s name at him.
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Ronaldo was unable to prevent Portugal from slipping to a surprise 2-0 defeat (Image: GETTY)
A few weeks later, Ronaldo was left furious when his team-mates were pelted with water balloons by Al-Ahli fans during their Saudi Pro League clash. He responded by looking at the crowd with his arms raised, along with several of his fellow players, before he was subjected to further Messi chants from the opposing supporters.
Back in August, the former Real Madrid star screamed at the referee and shoved a fan during Al-Nassr’s defeat to Al-Ahli in the Asian Champions League. He was visibly upset after his spectacular bicycle kick attempt was blocked by a defender’s hand, with the referee electing not to award a penalty.
He shouted at the official to ‘wake up’ and yelled ‘f*****g hell’ before marching towards the tunnel, where he pushed a selfie-taking fan out of his way in a fit of rage.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1882063/Cristiano-Ronaldo-Portugal-Slovenia