FOOTBALL fans were left furious after Slovenia forward Andraz Sporar attempted an outrageous dive during Monday’s Euro 2024 last-16 clash with Portugal.
Sporar went in for a 50-50 challenge with Vitinha and managed to head the ball clear.
However, the Portugal midfielder attempted to control it with his foot at the same time.
There was no contact between the two players but Sporar dramatically threw himself to the floor while holding his head, clearly looking for a free-kick.
However, the referee dismissed all claims.
Fans took to social media to react, with one person writing: “Fallon d’Floor nominee: Andraz Sporar.”
Another added: “Honestly this is it for me. Shut it down for this season. Come collect your award.”
A third commented: “The gall of him to complain to referee so enthusiastically afterwards as well.”
A fourth fan said: “When there is no contact at all and a player simulates like that, VAR should be able to award a yellow card right away. This is pathetic.”
While a fifth quipped: “Clearly it’s a bowling ball painted to look like a football.”
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CRISTIANO RONALDO has been a model of longevity for more than two decades in an outstanding international career.
Euro 2004
After 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 2008
Ronaldo 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 2012
Playing 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 2016
Ronaldo 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 2020
Ronaldo 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.
Sporar did not receive a yellow card for the dive.
Portugal went on to win the match on penalties following a 0-0 draw.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva all scored from the spot while Josip Ilicic, Jure Balkovec and Benjamin Verbic missed.
EURO 2024 has something for everyone from stunning goals, thrilling matches… and the continent’s biggest hunks, writes Jack Figg.
Several stars have lit up the group stages with their skills on the pitch – but others are also catching the eye for their looks.
But who is the sexiest?
Thankfully AI boffins have carried out an analysis on the facial attractiveness of all players at the tournament.
And it’s bad news for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions who are the fourth UGLIEST in the competition – one place below Scotland.
In fact it’s England’s group rivals Serbia who have fans swooning the most – boasting an average score of 77.90/100 with defender Strahinja Pavlovic deemed their most attractive.
While Turkey defender Mert Muldur has been ranked as the tournament’s BEST-LOOKING player.
But who is England’s sexiest star, and who makes the Euros’ hunkiest XI? Read our full story.
