Euro 2016: Cristiano Ronaldo Misses Penalty as Portugal Stumble

Cristiano Ronaldo missed a second-half penalty as Portugal fell to a second straight draw at Euro 2016 on Saturday after a frustrating 0-0 stalemate against Group F rivals Austria in Paris.


Ronaldo set a new Portuguese record with his 128th international cap, going past the mark previously shared with Luis Figo, but he fluffed his lines when presented with a golden opportunity in the 79th minute as he could only hit the post.

Austria showed early signs of promise, much like in their opener against Hungary, carving out a chance when a leaping Martin Harnik nodded a delightful cross just wide.

Ronaldo’s nightmare tournament continues
But Portugal settled quickly, with Nani denied his second goal of the tournament by the outstretched leg of Austria goalkeeper Robert Almer after breaking in from the left.

Almer tipped a long-range strike from Vieirinha behind, while Ronaldo steered wide from Raphael Guerreiro’s cut-back inside the area.

Portugal remained the dominant side and nearly reaped their reward as Nani’s header from Andre Gomes’ left-wing cross rocked the post with Joao Moutinho drilling the rebound over, while Vieirinha needed to make an important clearance to keep David Alaba’s driven free-kick from finding Harnik at the far post.

Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio parried away a stinging drive from Ilsanker within seconds of the restart, but Portugal soon reasserted their authority with Ronaldo leading the charge.

And with 11 minutes to go it appeared Portugal were awarded a penalty after Martin Hinteregger wrestled Ronaldo to the ground, but the Real Madrid man could only find the base of the post as his goal drought continues.

Hungary, who salvaged a point in a 1-1 draw with Iceland, are the surprise group leaders with a game to play, while Austria must win their final match to avoid exiting prematurely.

OJPals, what do you think? Sound off below!

@OJ’s Blog EXCLUSIVE

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