Family support

Cristiano Ronaldo has been defended by his sister after criticism over his behaviour on Monday night.

The Portugal captain was in floods of tears during extra-time after missing a penalty against Slovenia.

Ronaldo then scored in the penalty shootout as Portugal scraped through to the quarter-final – but his crying has become the main talking point.

While some have commended his passion, others believe the 39-year-old is making his nation’s Euro 2024 campaign all about him.

His sister, Katia Aveiro, has taken to social media to defend Ronaldo.

She wrote: “‘Step back… win and win… you’ve always been part of it… you’re great… so proud of our team, they’re proud of you. Thank you from Ronaldo, thank you boys.”

All fun and games

Everton striker Neal Maupay has gone viral for sticking the boot into England on social media throughout Euro 2024.

The Frenchman has developed a reputation as a wind-up merchant and posted a number of tweets mocking the Three Lions.

But speaking to talkSPORT, Maupay insists he loves England deep down.

The forward said: “It’s all love. I love England, I’ve been here for a long time.

“As a fan, it must be frustrating, because when you look at the squad, England have arguably got the best squad in the tournament.

“So many good players – and it’s a bit like France – the way they play is not really fun to watch. They don’t really create chances or score goals.

“They’ve had a tough run so far, but I guess that’s from a fan perspective, and for them inside, they just want to win.

“They don’t really care about how they play, they just want to win the trophy.”

‘Rock bottom’

Cristiano Ronaldo has explained his tears during Portugal’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over Slovenia.

The 39-year-old superstar was seen crying after missing a penalty in extra-time, before converting his spot-kick in the shootout.

“Even the strongest people have their [bad] days. I was at rock bottom when the team needed me the most,” said Ronaldo.

“Sadness at the start is joy at the end. That’s what football is. Moments, inexplicable moments. I feel sad and happy at the same time.

“But the important thing is to enjoy it. The team did an extraordinary job. We fought right to the end and I think we deserved it because we had more authority.”