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      Portugal 0 Slovenia 0 (3-0 pens): Cristiano Ronaldo in tears after penalty miss but gets redemption in shootout win

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      CRISTIANO Ronaldo wiped the tears from his eyes after Portugal scrambled through to the last eight.Ronaldo’s extra-time spot kick miss – after a shocking decision by Italian ref Daniele Orsato – left the old stager crying with despair.Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the shootoutCredit: RexDiogo Costa was the shootout heroCredit: APThe keeper saved a European Championship record three penaltiesCredit: PAHe would have been bawling all night had Benjamin Sesko not missed an absolute sitter after Ronaldo’s fellow veteran Pepe fell over the ball.But Diogo Costa saved three in a row from Josip Ilicic, Jure Balkovec and Benjamin Verbic to make European Championship history.And after Ronaldo scored – and apologised to the Portuguese fans – Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva following his example to earn a last eight showdown with France on Friday.It ensured Ronaldo was bailed out for his blunder – from a penalty that should never have been given 12 minutes into the added 30 minutes.READ MORE IN football Diogo Jota had run into the box but stumbled into defender Vanja Drkusic, who certainly played the ball, before tumbling over his knee.But the VAR booth in Leipzig upheld the call and Ronaldo, despite a night of frustration, would surely score.He struck with power, to the keeper’s left, but Oblak guessed right, brilliantly anticipating to turn the ball aside.Ronaldo’s tears were symbolic.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOnce upon a time, he would have found the moment, the imagination, to break down even a team as relentlessly determined as these Slovenians.While his spirit is still willing at 39, the flesh is now weaker.Watch as Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva are left in disbelief at referee’s antics during Portugal vs SloveniaThere was no lack of effort. No shortage of runs, shots, flicks or tricks, three free-kicks too.Yet it all foundered on the rugged Balkan rocks at the back, who simply refused to be bullied or blustered to ensure it went the distance.And then, when he was gifted the best opportunity of the lot, Oblak, whose heroics were lost amid the ultimate drama.Slovenia’s resilience and determination passed unnoticed as England’s sterile performance against them in Cologne was denounced.But there is nothing wrong with playing to your strengths, and that was exactly what they did.Ronaldo missed from the penalty spotCredit: PAJan Oblak made a tremendous saveCredit: ReutersOblak guessed right to keep it outCredit: ReutersYes, there were times when they were rocking, struggling against the pace of Rafael Leao, tormented occasionally by Bernardo Silva, always wary about the lurking presence of Ronaldo.But time and again, in a performance embodied by centre-halves Drkusic and Jaka Bijol, they found the block, the tackle, the clearance required.They needed, more than once, their keeper too.And when Jan Oblak was called upon, crucially in the final seconds of normal time when Jota sent Ronaldo in on goal, and then in extra-time, he stood tall and strong.There were other moments for Portugal. Of course there were.Ronaldo and the late-arriving Bruno Fernandes could not quite get on the end of one delicious Bernardo Silva cross.Then, after Leao’s surging run was ended by Drkusic’s lunge on the edge of his own box, Ronaldo’s effort flew past Oblak’s groping fingers but a fraction too high.Yet it was far from one way traffic, even if Slovenia were playing a Balkan version of rope-a-dope.Ronaldo was left devastatedCredit: GettyRonaldo was in floods of tearsCredit: AFPBruno Fernandes consoles his skipperCredit: ReutersLeft back Nuno Mendes rescued his side after Petar Stojanovic escaped down the right and tried to tee up Andraz Sporer before Sesko struck at Diogo Costa from distance.Portugal’s closest first half effort saw Joao Palhinha’s shot scraping Oblak’s right post after Leao had forced his way into the box while Bernardo Silva smacked wide straight after the restart.Ronaldo was engaged in a couple of running spats with the resolute Slovenians, who were throwing themselves in the way of everything.Oblak punched away another thumping Ronaldo free-kick which would have knocked a hole clean through the net and probably the stands behind his goal too before the first of two huge chances Sesko had been waiting for, one on one against Pepe from half-way.The Leipzig striker was too good for the veteran defender but then scuffed wide with his left foot.When Ronaldo’s late chance ended in Oblak’s midriff, it ensured an extra half hour, Martinez screaming out instructions in the middle of the huddle.Ronaldo, seemingly impassive to the hectoring, did not look so stoical after his miss, although Slovenian boss Matjez Kek saw red for voicing his fury at the official.READ MORE SUN STORIESHad Sesko, given a clear run on goal by Pepe’s stumble, past Diogo Costa, Ronaldo would have joined the 41-year-old in the dock.He missed and redemption was granted by the Portuguese keeper. A narrow escape, for Ronaldo and Martinez.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Watch moment Micah Richards is left looking sheepish after breaking broadcasting golden rule live on BBC at Euro 2024

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      MICAH RICHARDS was left looking sheepish on Monday night after breaking a broadcasting golden rule.The former defender appeared live on BBC One’s coverage of Portugal’s penalty shootout victory over Slovenia at Euro 2024.Micah Richards was left looking sheepish after breaking a broadcasting golden ruleCredit: BBC SportRichards analysed Portugal’s first half performance during half-time before discussing his connection to manager Roberto Martinez.He explained: “I worked with Roberto. He’s so on it with his tactics, details of it, he knows exactly what to do.”At the end of the segment, presenter Gary Lineker asked: “Where did you work with him?”Wary of mentioning a rival broadcaster, Richards paused before sheepishly replying: “On another broadcaster.”READ MORE ON EURO 2024Lineker tried to reassure him, though, adding: “I thought you meant as a coach.”I’m going through all the clubs. It’s ok to mention other broadcasters, Micah. Relax, relax.”Richards was able to see the funny side, however, joining fellow pundits Alan Shearer and Jose Fonte by laughing off his error.The former Manchester City right-back has been a fan favourite pundit since retiring in 2019 aged 31.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAs well as being part of the BBC team for Euro 2024, Richards is also a regular on Sky Sports and CBS Sports in the USA.Martinez, meanwhile, is taking charge of Portugal at a major tournament for the first time.Watch Micah Richards belt out Bob Marley song with Danny Murphy and Alan Shearer as fans hail ‘nation’s treasure’He previously guided Belgium to three consecutive finals between 2016 and 2022, before leaving after the World Cup in Qatar.Since taking over as Portugal boss in January last year, Martinez has lost just three of 18 matches in charge.The former Everton manager’s contract runs until the end of the 2026 World Cup.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo breaks down in floods of tears after penalty miss vs Slovenia leaving mum distraught in stands

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO was in floods of tears after missing an extra-time penalty amid extraordinary scenes at Euro 2024.Mum Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro was spotted distraught in the stands after Jan Oblak brilliantly foiled Ron’s spot-kick in Portugal’s last-16 nail-biter with Slovenia.Cristiano Ronaldo looked inconsolable after his extra-time agonyCredit: GettyRonaldo’s mum Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro was also tearfulJan Oblak produced a stunning save from Ron’s penaltyCredit: ReutersBruno Fernandes was among the players supporting RonaldoCredit: ReutersBut there was a stirring twist for the Manchester United legend when the contest went to a shootout.Ron not only scored but APOLOGISED to Portugal fans – as his side wrapped up a 3-0 win on penalties following the 0-0 draw.However, it had looked so different in the 105th minute – when Oblak plunged full length to tip Ron’s powerful penalty away.The 39-year-old striker at first just put his head in his hands and carried on.READ MORE ON EURO 2024But when the first period of the additional half-hour ended a few seconds later, his emotions erupted.Team-mates tried to console Ron as tears streamed out, seemingly uncontrollably.The Al-Nassr star’s Euro 2016-winning team-mate Jose Fonte told the BBC: “He’s an emotional guy – he wants to score more than anything else. That will hurt him.”Meanwhile, when cameras panned to the stands, his mum also looked tearful.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRonaldo had entered the game on a career-worst run of seven games in international tournaments without a goal.And as Portugal struggled against outstanding defending from Slovenia, Ron had just a couple of chances in normal time to break that duck.BBC brutally troll Cristiano Ronaldo live on TV with pun about penalty miss during Portugal’s win over SloveniaThen came his extra-time woe from the spot.But Ronaldo showed his mental strength when the clash went to penalties.He smashed his spot-kick into the opposite corner to his failed attempt.And rather than celebrating, he put his hands together and made a humble expression – a gesture that said sorry to his country’s supporters inside the Frankfurt Arena.Ronaldo then regained his composure to net a shootout penaltyCredit: ReutersHe appeared to apologise to Portugal fans for his earlier miss when he tucked home his shootout spot-kickCredit: ReutersRonaldo let his emotions out in a tense clashTeam-mates were quick to rally around the five-time Ballon d’Or winnerPortugal then clinched a comfortable shootout success as Slovenia crumbed from the spot.But it was a match where much of the drama before that had come from the emotions of an icon rather than the physical actions of his below-par side.How Portugal have performed at the Euros with Cristiano RonaldoCRISTIANO RONALDO has been a model of longevity for more than two decades in an outstanding international career.Euro 2004After making his international debut in 2003, Ronaldo’s first Euros came in 2004.Ronaldo marked his Euro debut with a goal in a 2-1 defeat to Greece – his first for Portugal.He scored his second in the semi-final win over the Netherlands, but Portugal met Greece again in the final, losing 1-0 in shock result.Euro 2008Ronaldo was Portugal captain four years later but Euro 2008 was the least impactful tournament he’s had.There was still time for a standout performance, though, as Ronaldo scored once and set up two more in a group-stage win over the Czech Republic.Euro 2012Playing at Real Madrid at the time, Ronaldo was the top goalscorer at Euro 2012, with three goals, including a brace in the group stage against the Netherlands.Portugal’s quarter-final against Czech Republic was heading towards a stalemate with 10 minutes to go and they needed a special moment from him.His powerful header in the dying minutes took Portugal to the semi-finals where they lost on penalties to Spain.Euro 2016Ronaldo scored three goals in Euro 2016, with Portugal crowned CHAMPIONS after defeating France 1-0 in extra time in the final.After suffering an injury inside the opening 16 minutes against France, he was forced to watch from the sidelines.Yet the Portugal captain became a cheerleader, and helped coach his team-mates to the historic victory.He matched Michel Platini’s record of nine goals by the end of Euro 2016.Euro 2020Ronaldo made history again with FIVE goals at Euro 2020, the most of any player at a Euros.Yet it was arguably Portugal’s least exciting affair, as they exited in the Round of 16 following a 1-0 defeat to Belgium.With his goals in this tournament, Ronaldo became the top goalscorer at the European Championship with 14 goals. More

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      Outcry over Uefa probe into Jude Bellingham’s ‘crotch-grab’ goal celebration as fans plead ‘don’t ban him’

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      SUPERSTAR Jude Bellingham has defended his groin-grab goal celebration as “an inside joke” and denied making fun of plucky Slovakia.The Three Lions’ saviour could be ruled out of Saturday’s quarter-final against Switzerland if Uefa decide he breached “basic rules of decent conduct”.Jude Bellingham has defended his groin-grab goal celebration as ‘an inside joke’ and denied making fun of plucky SlovakiaCredit: GettyBellingham scores England’s first goal in spectacular fashionCredit: ReutersGareth Southgate’s team were assured no disciplinary measures were being considered over the gestureCredit: AlamyBut Bellingham explained on social media: “An inside joke towards some close friends who were at the game.“Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”Moments after his astonishing 95th-minute bicycle kick strike spared England’s blushes, the Real Madrid ace was seen on TV making a hand gesture next to his crotch. It was believed that Jude was signalling he has what it takes to overcome a crisis — though some believed it was an insult aimed at the opposition bench.Read More on SportHarry Kane’s extra-time header sealed England’s 2-1 win on Sunday evening.Early yesterday, Gareth Southgate’s team were assured no disciplinary measures were being considered over the gesture.But Uefa then did a U-turn — despite the gesture not being mentioned in any match reports made by the officials.Fans reacted in fury with Max Veltman, 43, of Birmingham, saying: “It’s nonsense. It wasn’t offensive and Jude said so himself. Have Uefa got nothing better to do?Most read in Euro 2024“We’ve got no chance without Jude so we need to pray Uefa don’t ban him.”Sam Eversden, 45, from Uxbridge, West London, added: “Are Uefa policing goal celebrations now?The Sun’s Martin Lipton on Jude Bellingham’s potential ban as UEFA investigate gesture vs Slovakia“If they want to crack down on conduct and integrity, they should crack down on diving instead. Jude’s our main man.“He’s kept us in the Euros but without him we’ll be knocked out. He certainly shouldn’t get a ban. Save our Jude!”Fan Elaine Flower, 70, from Southampton, who has been to every England game at the Euros, said: “It’s daft to investigate something like this and clearly not worth a ban.“Common sense must prevail. He’s our best player and we need him to progress.“We’d have lost without his goal and we’ll need him more than ever in the next game.”Match of the Day host Gary Lineker said on Twitter/X: “For crying out loud, the Euro 2024 celebration police are looking into Jude Bellingham. Ridiculous!”The suggestion is Bellingham could have breached rule 11 2b into player conduct.A Uefa spokesman said: “A Uefa Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct by the English Football Association player, Jude Bellingham, having allegedly occurred in the scope of this match.Aces rappedOTHER stars have landed in trouble for similar gestures. In 2019 Cristiano Ronaldo was fined £17,000 but avoided a ban for his Juventus goal celebration against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.Atletico boss Diego Simeone was also fined for his groin-grab gesture during the first leg.In 2017, England midfielder Dele Alli was banned for a match and fined £3,500 for raising his middle finger in a World Cup qualifier against Slovakia. He said it was a joke aimed at Kyle Walker.“Information on this matter will be made available in due course.”Bellingham has previously made a similar gesture when playing for Real Madrid, and after scoring a late equaliser for England in a friendly against Belgium in March.After Sunday’s dramatic win, he hit back at England’s critics saying: “You hear people talk a lot of rubbish. It’s nice when you can deliver and you can give them a little bit back.“For me, being on the pitch scoring goals and celebrating is my release.Bellingham explained on social media: ‘An inside joke towards some close friends who were at the game’Credit: InstagramBellingham playing cricket yesterdayCredit: Paul EdwardsBellingham could be ruled out of Saturday’s quarter-final against Switzerland if Uefa decide he breached ‘basic rules of decent conduct’Credit: Rex“And you know, maybe it was a message to a few people . . . but a very happy moment.”Yesterday Bellingham relaxed with a game of cricket, and was seen cupping his hands to catch a ball. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also shared a beaming selfie on his Instagram.Teammates raved about his goal on the England Lions’ Den channel posted online yesterday.Gary Lineker said: ‘For crying out loud, the Euro 2024 celebration police are looking into Jude Bellingham. Ridiculous!’Credit: BBCWriting off Swiss as no-hopers is cuckooSWITZERLAND is famed for cuckoo clocks and chocolate — but is also enjoying a golden era of football.The minnows have a team featuring world-class stars.Players such as ex-Arsenal star Granit Xhaka, 31, former Liverpool wizard Xherdan Shaqiri, 32, and Man City’s Manuel Akanji, 28, make them a force to be reckoned with.Midfield star Xhaka, their most capped player with 129, is the beating heart of the team and has just helped Bayer ­Leverkusen land the Bundesliga title in Germany.Historically, their best major tournament performance was 100 years ago — when they won silver at the 1924 Olympics.And the last time they reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup was 70 years ago. But they have risen steadily in the rankings over the past eight years.The Swiss made it to the last 16 during Euro 2016 and then achieved their best finish at Euro 2020, reaching the quarter-finals, having eliminated world champions France.The team has also reached the knockout rounds at the past three World Cups and is 19th in Fifa’s world rankings.They beat Italy 2-0 in this year’s Euros’ knockouts to clinch their clash with England.Roger Federer remains Switzerland’s most famous sporting hero. But this Swiss team remain determined to write its own page in history. More

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      Inside Italy’s broken Euro 2024 dressing room, from moaning about training to anger at call-up for ‘snitch’

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      ITALY suffered from a broken dressing room during Euro 2024, according to reports.The defending champions were dumped out by Switzerland in the last 16 on Saturday.Italy were dumped out of Euro 2024 by Switzerland in the last 16 on SaturdayCredit: GettyLuciano Spalletti’s players were left confused by his tactics and training methodsCredit: ReutersManager Luciano Spalletti made multiple excuses for their exit after the defeat.Meanwhile, his future has been clarified, with his contract running until after the 2026 World Cup.The news may come as a blow to several Italy stars, though, amid reports of unhappiness within their camp in Iserlohn.According to La Repubblica, part of the squad felt distanced from Spalletti and his ideas during the tournament.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Several players are said to have been left confused by his tactics and training methods, leading to a lack of commitment during sessions.The report adds that multiple small groups formed within the dressing room, with Spalletti lacking a leader to bring the squad together.Other players accused Spalletti of a lack of preparation and claimed there was no intensity in his style of play.It came after they were left shocked by a series of tactical alterations to the team just two hours before their final group match against Croatia.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSpalletti’s late decision is understood to have left some players feeling excluded from the side.Meanwhile, several members of the team were privately unhappy with the inclusion of Nicolo Fagioli.Albania fan cheekily snaps spaghetti in front of horrified Italy supporters at Euro 2024The Juventus midfielder was allegedly seen as a “snitch” after exposing Sandro Tonali’s involvement in a betting scandal.Fagioli was handed a seven-month ban in October for breaching betting rules before returning in May.However, Tonali was banned for 10 months by the Italian FA, causing the Newcastle star to miss Euro 2024.Spalletti named Fagioli in his squad following his return to action, with the 23-year-old playing nine minutes off the bench against Croatia before starting the Switzerland defeat.Italy began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Albania, but were then beaten by Spain.Mattia Zaccagni’s 98th minute equaliser against Croatia sealed progression as group runners-up at the expense of their opponents.Nicolo Fagioli was allegedly seen as a ‘snitch’ for exposing Sandro Tonali’s betting breachesCredit: RexDefending champions Italy won just one of their four matches at the tournamentCredit: EPAGoals from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas sealed a comfortable victory for Switzerland in the round of 16, though.Spalletti has been in charge since September, winning seven of his 14 matches as manager.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe will now turn his attention to the Nations League before Italy bid to end their World Cup exile.The Azzurri have failed to qualify for either of the last two tournaments, their longest ever absence from the World Cup.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Watch as Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva are left in disbelief at referee’s antics during Portugal vs Slovenia

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO was left in disbelief by the referee’s antics during Portugal’s clash with Slovenia.The veteran forward and Bernardo Silva were both left puzzled by Daniele Orsato in Frankfurt on Monday night.Cristiano Ronaldo was left in disbelief by the referee’s antics during Portugal vs SloveniaCredit: BBCBernardo Silva was equally surprised by Daniele Orsato’s decisionCredit: BBCOrsato forced Ronaldo and Silva to move the ball before taking a free-kickCredit: BBCPortugal had been awarded a free-kick near the corner of the opposition penalty area during the first half.With the ball placed down, Ronaldo had stepped back as he lined up an optimistic effort on goal.However, Orsato was left unhappy with the position of the ball and sprinted over to move it to the correct position.He shouted to Ronaldo as he protested the decision, with Silva seen putting his hands on his head.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The pair were able to see the funny side, though, as the five-time Ballon d’Or winner turned and pointed to a pitch-side camera.Once the ball was positioned to the referee’s liking, Ronaldo lined up to shoot again, only for his effort to whistle comfortably wide.The 39-year-old endured a frustrating afternoon in front of goal as he chased his first strike of the tournament.After a series of near misses, he was presented with a golden opportunity in extra-time when Portugal were awarded a penalty.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowever, Jan Oblak denied Ronaldo from 12 yards, causing the former Manchester United man to break down in tears on the pitch.His blushes were spared during the penalty shootout, though, as Diogo Costa saved three spot-kicks to send Portugal through.Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s incredible history with Cristiano RonaldoRonaldo had placed the ball and lined up ready to shoot at goalCredit: BBCHowever, Orsato sprinted over and demanded the ball be positioned correctlyCredit: BBCRonaldo also dusted himself off to score his side’s first penalty before Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva converted.The Al-Nassr forward has yet to open his account at Euro 2024, despite starting each of his side’s matches so far.He does have an assist to his name, however, after unselfishly teeing up Bruno Fernandes to score in the 3-0 win over Turkey.Ronaldo is playing at a record sixth Euros this summer, having first appeared at Euro 2004 on home soil.As well as holding the record for most tournaments, Ronaldo has also played the most matches and scored the most goals in Euros history.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Gary Lineker shocks BBC pundit with ‘very unusual’ question live on TV before Portugal’s Euro 2024 clash vs Slovenia

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      GARY LINEKER stunned a pundit with a “very unusual question” about Cristiano Ronaldo live on TV.But the response was almost as unusual – as it wrong-footed Lineker and had the BBC studio experts all bursting into laughter.Cristiano Ronaldo, pictured trying to break through for Portugal against Slovenia, was the subject of a curious exchange on the BBCCredit: GettyGary Lineker’s question might not have been phrased as he meantThe England legend was keen to get inside information on how Ronaldo ticks ahead of Portugal’s Euro 2024 clash with Slovenia.Ron, 39, went into the last-16-tie on his worst-ever run of seven games during international tournaments without a goal.And Lineker believed he had just the man to quiz over the Al-Nassr striker’s incredible physical and mental abilities.Ex-Portugal defender Jose Fonte, who won Euro 2016 with Ronaldo, was on the BBC panel alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Lineker first saluted ex-Manchester United hero Ron as the “best No9 ever” for movement in and around the box.He then asked 40-year-old Fonte: “Jose, obviously you know him well, what’s it like up close and personal with Ronaldo?”Fonte, such an unruffled character on the pitch, replied instantly: “Well that’s a very unusual question!”Cue hysterics from Shearer, Richards and Co.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYBruno Alves, Pepe, Fonte and Ron helped Portugal win Euro 2016Credit: Getty – ContributorBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLineker even appeared something close to embarrassed – at least compared to his high standards of unflappability.But he quickly managed to clarify his query.Watch horror moment Cristiano Ronaldo avoids being two-footed by fan by inches after Portugal’s shock Euro 2024 defeat He said: “I didn’t mean it to sound so personal!  I meant it as a person.”Doesn’t he bring his own team with him?”Normality was restored as Fonte revealed the lengths Ronaldo goes to so that he can ensure peak conditioningThe ex-Crystal Palace, Southampton and West Ham ace, who still plays for Braga, said: “Yes he does. That’s why he’s one of the best ever. “He’s so methodical on his approach to his body. So he’s always in the best condition to play a football match.”Apart from that, he’s a very relaxed guy who likes to joke, likes to train hard and likes to score goals.”However, Ron might not be TOO relaxed while his Portugal drought continues.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnderdogs Slovenia certainly made it hard for him with brilliant defending as they took Monday’s contest to extra time after a goalless draw.But he was redeemed after missing a penalty in extra time before scoring in the shoot-out as Portugal sneaked through. More

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      Watch Kevin De Bruyne STORM OUT of interview after ‘stupid’ question following Belgium’s loss to France

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      KEVIN DE BRUYNE stormed out of an interview after a “stupid” question following Belgium’s defeat to France.De Bruyne & Co crashed out of Euro 2024 in the group stages. Kevin De Bruyne stormed out of an interview after a ‘stupid’ questionDe Bruyne was fuming after Belgium’s loss to FranceJan Vertonghen’s own goal split the sides and saw Belgium bail out with more international heartache. And captain De Bruyne did not take kindly to a question over Belgium’s so-called “golden generation” of players.He was asked: “How does it feel that your golden generation never reached a final?”The Manchester City star said: “And you say that France and England and Spain and Germany is not a golden generation? OK, thank you.” READ MORE ON EURO 2024De Bruyne, 33, then walks off and mutters “stupid”.Journalist Tancredi Palmeri, who asked the question, hit back: “Ahah DeBruyne just called me stupid.”Hey Kevin, little memo for you: the golden generation you mentioned of France, England, Germany and Spain they ALL REACHED A FINAL!”Usual footballer that wants only question telling him how good they are. Spoiled brat.”Most read in FootballFormer Belgium manager Roberto Martinez, who led the Red Devils from 2016 to 2022, famously had stars including Vincent Kompany, Toby Alderweireld, Eden Hazard and Dries Mertens in his squad.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDe Bruyne ‘stops Belgium flops from acknowledging fans’ after they’re booed off following dire draw at Euro 2024Jan Vertonghen, De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Axel Witsel and Yannick Carrasco still remain from their heyday and make up some of the star-studded Euro 2024 squad.Belgium came third in the 2018 World Cup – their best finish in a major tournament and were Fifa’s highest-ranked team that year.But they were knocked out in the quarter-finals of the Euros three years later before failing to make it out of the group stage in the 2022 World Cup. And following even more misery, De Bruyne’s international future will now be in question after six trophyless tournaments.The Premier League and Champions League winner, who has 28 goals from 104 caps, said: “It’s too early to answer.”Let me process this loss. It’s a been a very long season. I need to rest my body. I will make my decision after the summer.”The midfielder also came under fire after telling his team-mates not to acknowledge disgruntled Belgium fans following a 0-0 draw to Ukraine. Vertonghen saw Randal Kolo Muani’s shot deflect off him for France’s winnerEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More