Portugal narrowly advanced from the UEFA Euro Round of 16 after a tense match against Slovenia that ended in a penalty shootout. Cristiano Ronaldo had an uncharacteristically challenging game, highlighted by several missed opportunities and culminating in a crucial missed penalty. The gravity of this moment was not lost on American TV personality Stephen A. Smith, who weighed in on the incident. However, fans responded with their own interpretations.

Ronaldo’s missed penalty was undoubtedly a poignant event for him, his supporters, and his family. Despite Stephen A. Smith’s attempt to offer encouragement during this trying time, he found himself at the receiving end of criticism from fans.

Fans go ballistic over Stephen A. Smith’s message to Cristiano Ronaldo

It was quite unexpected to see Stephen A. Smith discussing soccer, but that’s exactly what happened. The sports journalist took to social media to share his thoughts following CR7’s missed penalty. Smith remarked, “OMG. The great Ronaldo got his penalty shot blocked. The GREAT RINALDO could’ve sealed the deal….and didn’t get it done.” 

He further emphasized the gravity of the miss, writing: “It’s 0-0. Overtime. Ronaldo is CRYING. His Momma is in the suite crying. She knows how much he’s hurting right now.#Damn!!!” Stephen A Smith’s message to Ronaldo was clearly in good will but fans don’t seem to have appreciated it that much.

First of all, the elephant in the room for most fans was the American TV personalities’ sudden interest in soccer!

‘Penalty shot blocked’! Well, fans did not hold back from pointing out the wrong terminology even though it comes from a basketball pundit.

There’s more. Usage of ‘Overtime’ made fans pull Stephen A. Smith’s legs even more.

On top of that, several other netizens joined in to point out the obvious; the typo in Cristiano Ronaldo’s spelling.

One fan took it upon himself to educate the journalist on the difference between American football and soccer. Well, that is going to be a long lecture!

It is safe to say Smith’s gesture seems to have completely backfired with fans. But don’t let it distract you from the high-emotion affair that was Portugal vs Slovenia. It was no doubt a heartbreaking match that even brought the legend of the game, Cristiano Ronaldo, to tears.

For every fall, there is an up, as what happened with Ronaldo’s penalties

Cristiano Ronaldo had the golden opportunity to win the game for Portugal in normal time. He had his big chance from the penalty spot but unfortunately for him, he missed it. The disappointment was so overwhelming that it even brought the Portuguese striker to tears.

Not only that but his mother Dolores Aveiro who was sitting in the stands also couldn’t control her emotions and broke down in tears. Undoubtedly, it was a distressing moment that left the fans utterly devastated. But as they say, all is well that ends well. Despite the roadblocks, Portugal sealed the win in the end on a penalty shootout with Ronaldo netting the first one and punching their ticket to the Quarter-final.

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.