By In a match filled with high drama and emotional intensity, Portugal secured their place in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals after a penalty shootout victory over Slovenia. The goalless draw, extending into extra time, saw Portugal triumph thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
A crucial moment came in the 105th minute when Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty was brilliantly saved by Slovenia’s Jan Oblak, leaving the Portuguese star in tears and needing consolation from his teammates. Despite this setback, Ronaldo stepped up to convert Portugal’s first penalty in the shootout.
Costa’s remarkable performance was pivotal, as he made decisive saves against Josip Ilicic, Jure Balkovec, and Benjamin Verbic. His efforts enabled Bernardo Silva to score the winning penalty, following a successful attempt by Bruno Fernandes. Costa’s crucial one-on-one save from Benjamin Sesko deep in extra time was also instrumental in preventing a historic upset by Slovenia.
Ronaldo, despite not scoring during the group stage, dominated the encounter, demonstrating his determination to make an impact at Euro 2024. His frustration was evident throughout the 120 minutes, particularly after four missed free-kicks and Oblak’s earlier save from him in the 89th minute.
Slovenia, led by Oblak’s exceptional goalkeeping, showed remarkable defensive resilience and posed occasional threats on the counter-attack. Their valiant effort kept Roberto Martinez’s star-studded Portugal side at bay for much of the match.
Ultimately, it was Costa who ensured Ronaldo’s redemption, with his trio of saves in the shootout setting up a highly anticipated quarter-final clash against Kylian Mbappe and France in Hamburg on Friday night.
