Portugal Advances To Euro 2024 Quarterfinals, Ronaldo’s Redemption In Shootout Victory Over Slovenia

New Delhi: Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved three Slovenia penalties to secure a 3-0 shoot-out victory for his side after Cristiano Ronaldo got a chance to redeem himself in a problematic Euro 2024 round of 16 clash on Monday.

Portugal legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo couldn’t contain his emotions as he broke down in tears after he missed a penalty in the first period of extra-time in a goalless tie in Frankfurt. But he recovered to convert in the shoot-out as Portugal secured a quarter-final berth against France, which is going to be a blockbuster clash of the tournament.

Slovenia displayed their resilience throughout and kept Portugal at the brink of elimination, with Jan Oblak making a stunning save to keep out Ronaldo’s penalty after Diogo Jota was fouled.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez reverted to a more familiar 4-3-3 system after his side was embarrassed by debutant Georgia in its last group game when he deployed three at the back.

The 2016 European champions dominated with the ball and created its first chance after 12 minutes of the game when Silva’s accurat cross just evaded Ronaldo and Fernandes could not turn haome at the far post.

Slovenia, playing in its first-ever knock-out match at a major competition, maintained its defensive shape well and limited Portugal’s opportunities.

Former Real Madrid striker Ronaldo directed a soft header at his old nemesis, Atletico Madrid keeper Oblak, under vital pressure from Vanja Drkusic.

The Slovenian defender received a booking moments later for bringing down the surging Rafael Leao, who was charging towards Oblak’s goal.

Ronaldo’s powerful free-kick narrowly sailed over the bar, with Oblak at full stretch.

Slovenia’s first real effort on target came just before half-time when RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko fired a shot at Costa from the edge of the box.

Portugal’s holding midfielder Joao Palhinha nearly doubled the lead, hitting the outside of the post with a low drive on the final kick of the first half, following more brilliant play by the menacing Leao.

Early in the second half, Ronaldo forced a solid save from Oblak with another venomous free-kick, as the Al-Nassr forward relentlessly attempted to break down Slovenia’s defensive wall, which had successfully held England to a goalless draw in the group stage.

Matjaz Kek’s side had a golden chance to take the lead on a rare counterattack, but Sesko dragged his shot wide after outpacing 41-year-old Pepe, the oldest player in the competition’s history.

Still determined to score, Portugal captain Ronaldo launched yet another powerful free-kick over the crossbar with 20 minutes remaining.

The striker had a chance to settle the game in open play with two minutes to go but, in down the left, could only shoot straight at Oblak, leading to extra-time.

The pace slowed in extra-time, and the first period was largely uneventful until the 103rd minute. Then, Jota charged into the area and went down over Drkusic’s leg, earning Portugal a penalty.

Ronaldo stepped up and fired a powerful shot to Oblak’s left, but the goalkeeper made a stunning save, tipping the effort onto the post and out.

At half-time of extra-time, Ronaldo was in tears after his miss, with Portugal fans singing his name to lift his spirits.

Slovenia had another golden opportunity when Pepe’s loose pass was intercepted by Sesko, who raced through on goal.

The forward fired too close to Costa who produced an excellent save with his leg, forcing a penalty shoot-out — Slovenia’s first ever.

Slovenia went first and substitute Josip Ilicic’s effort was brilliantly saved by Costa.

Ronaldo buried his kick and asked for forgiveness from the fans behind the goal for his extra-time miss, before Costa saved Slovenia’s second from Jure Balkovec.

Costa made a third consecutive penalty save from Benjamin Verbic after Fernandes converted and Silva won it as he sent Oblak the wrong way.