Portugal's goalkeeper Diogo Costa made three crucial saves during the penalty shoot-out against Slovenia, securing a 3-0 victory for his team. This came after Cristiano Ronaldo redeemed himself by scoring from the spot in a thrilling Euro 2024 round of 16 match on Monday. Ronaldo had earlier wept upon missing a penalty during the first half of extra time in the scoreless draw in Frankfurt. However, he bounced back to score in the shoot-out, helping Portugal advance to face France in the quarterfinals.
Slovenia put up a strong defense, with Jan Oblak making a remarkable save to deny Ronaldo's penalty after Diogo Jota was fouled. Despite this, Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva all scored in the shoot-out, while Slovenia missed all three of their attempts, leading to a nerve-wracking win for Portugal.
Portugal's coach, Roberto Martinez, switched back to a more conventional 4-3-3 formation after their previous match against Georgia, where he had used a three-man defense. The Euro 2016 champions controlled the ball and created their first real opportunity after 12 minutes, but Silva's cross missed Ronaldo and Fernandes couldn't capitalize at the far post.
Slovenia, making their debut in a major competition knock-out match, held their defensive shape well and restricted Portugal's chances. Ronaldo, under pressure from Vanja Drkusic, sent a weak header towards his former rival, Atletico Madrid's keeper Oblak. Drkusic was subsequently booked for fouling Rafael Leao as he raced towards Oblak's goal. Ronaldo's free-kick went just over the bar with Oblak fully extended.
Slovenia's first shot on target came just before halftime when Benjamin Sesko fired at Costa from the edge of the box. Portugal's Joao Palhinha hit the post with a low drive, the last action of the first half, following more impressive play by Leao. Ronaldo tested Oblak again with a powerful free-kick early in the second half, but couldn't penetrate Slovenia's robust defense, which had previously held England to a goalless draw in the group stage.
Slovenia had a golden opportunity to take the lead but Sesko missed the target after outpacing the competition's oldest player, 41-year-old Pepe. Ronaldo continued to push for a goal, sending another free-kick over the bar with 20 minutes left. He had a chance to win the game in the final moments but shot straight at Oblak, leading to extra time.
The pace slowed in extra time, with the first period being largely uneventful until Jota won a penalty in the 103rd minute. Ronaldo's hard shot was saved spectacularly by Oblak, hitting the post. At the break of extra time, Ronaldo was in tears over his miss, but the Portugal fans rallied behind him.
Slovenia squandered another chance when Pepe's poor pass was intercepted by Sesko, who shot too close to Costa, resulting in a penalty shoot-out. Slovenia's first attempt by substitute Josip Ilicic was saved by Costa. Ronaldo scored and sought forgiveness from the fans for his earlier miss, before Costa saved Slovenia's second attempt. Costa then made a third consecutive save from Benjamin Verbic after Fernandes scored, and Silva secured the win by fooling Oblak.
