Portugal’s dreams of advancing to the UEFA European Championship semi-finals were dashed after a dramatic penalty shootout loss to France in Hamburg. While the match was a close affair, several Portuguese players underperformed, contributing to their heartbreaking exit.

Cristiano Ronaldo:

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s talisman, had a night to forget. Despite his reputation as a clutch performer, Ronaldo failed to capitalize on key opportunities. His most glaring miss came in extra time when he blazed over the bar from close range after a promising setup by Francisco Conceição. This miss echoed his struggles in the game, where he seemed unable to exert his usual influence.

Bruno Fernandes:

Bruno Fernandes also had a frustrating evening. Although he was involved in some of Portugal’s best moments, his overall impact was limited. In the 43rd minute, he took a free-kick that Ronaldo had lined up, but his effort failed to hit the target. Later, he was denied by a strong save from Mike Maignan, highlighting his inability to find the back of the net when it mattered most.

João Félix:

João Félix's performance in the penalty shootout was a decisive factor in Portugal's exit. While shootouts are always tense and unpredictable, Félix hitting the post was a pivotal moment. This miss allowed France to gain the upper hand and ultimately secure victory. Félix’s overall contribution during the match was also minimal, as he struggled to create significant chances or break down France’s defense.

Vitinha:

Vitinha, who had a chance to put Portugal ahead in the second half, also fell short. After being teed up by Rafael Leão, he fired straight at Maignan. This wasted opportunity was one of several moments where Vitinha could not convert possession into meaningful attacks, reflecting his underwhelming performance on the night.