Bento: Ronaldo Was Next

Portugal boss Paulo Bento has defended the fact that star man Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t take a penalty in Wednesday’s 4-2 spotkick loss to Spain in their 2012 European Championships semifinal.

Bruno Alves missed Portugal’s fourth penalty, before Cesc Fabregas converted his to earn Spain the 4-2 victory after a 0-0 goalless draw. However, the decision to have Ronaldo not take a penalty left many scratching their heads.

“The fifth would have been Ronaldo. We’d chosen an order of Moutinho, Pepe, Nani and Alves, and then it would have been Ronaldo,” Bento explained to reporters after the game.

“We defined that plan and if it had been 4-4 and Ronaldo had the last penalty, we’d be talking about a different situation. I don’t regret anything.”

The Portuguese boss also said he was proud of his side’s tournament and felt losing to the world and European championsn on penalties was nothing to be ashamed of.

“If I had to choose a way of losing, it would be like this; Spain are a great team and we can leave with our heads held high,” Bento said.

“The players can now go on holiday, which they deserve. From September, we’ll think again and prepare for the 2014 World Cup, but we know we can compete with any team at any level.”