Bruno Fernandes seems to have fun earlier than Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty in opposition to Denmark… just for the 40-year-old to see his stunning effort saved

Bruno Fernandes appeared to have fun earlier than Cristiano Ronaldo had taken his penalty in Portugal’s Nations League conflict with Denmark. 

The 40-year-old was handed the possibility to provide his facet the lead on the evening – after that they had suffered a 1-0 loss within the first leg final week – when he was felled simply 5 minutes into the tie. 

The often dependable Ronaldo stepped up and regarded sure so as to add to his file 135 worldwide targets. Regardless of his advancing years, confidence within the Portugal talisman stays excessive and this was evident within the actions of Fernandes, who appeared to have fun a profitable spot kick earlier than the Al-Nassr striker had even touched the ball. 

Sadly for the Man United star, his compatriot fluffed his traces however he was spared the majority of the ridicule as a result of the outstanding nature of Ronaldo’s try. 

The striker uncharacteristically rolled the ball into the arms of a grateful Kasper Schmeichel who barely wanted to take a step to his left to entice it. Ronaldo did, although, later rating within the 5-2 win.

Ronaldo’s blunder got here hours after he lashed out at reporters for asking ‘disrespectful’ questions over his future with the nationwide workforce. 

‘Actually, a number of the questions you’ve got requested have been simply disrespectful. If you’d like solutions from me, look me within the eyes if you ask,’ Ronaldo advised reporters after he was requested if he’s nonetheless able to finishing a full match on the worldwide stage. 

Ronaldo, who did finally get his identify on the scoresheet in a rip-roaring encounter, got here underneath some intense warmth from the press for his efficiency in final week’s first leg in opposition to Denmark.

And, after his penalty miss on Sunday, followers as soon as once more questioned whether or not soccer’s all-time high goalscorer nonetheless has sufficient gasoline within the tank to hack it on the high stage.

One fan wrote on X: ‘That is one of many worst penalty kicks I’ve ever seen from Cristiano Ronaldo.’ 

One other wrote: ‘RETIRE OLD MAN THIS IS IT. THAT’S THE WORST PENALTY I HAVE EVER SEEN FROM A FOOTBALLER.’ A 3rd requested: ‘What’s fallacious with Ronaldo?’ 

Portugal have endured a troublesome 12 months underneath Roberto Martinez after being knocked out of Euro 2024 on the quarter-final stage.

Ronaldo didn’t handle a single purpose on the event and questions have been requested over his place within the facet ever since.

Regardless of the heavy scrutiny in direction of Ronaldo of late, he stays the joint-fourth high scorer on this rendition of the Nations League, with 5 targets. 

Victory for Portugal within the competitors would see Ronaldo elevate the third piece of silverware along with his nationwide workforce, having gained Euro 2016 and the Nations League in its inaugural exhibiting in 2019.