Euro 2024: Portugal triumph over Slovenia on penalties
Portugal 0 - 0 Slovenia
Portugal won 3-0 on penalties
Cristiano Ronaldo's tears turned to joy as Portugal triumphed over Slovenia on penalties to secure a Euro 2024 quarter-final spot against France, despite the 39-year-old missing a crucial penalty in extra time.
Ronaldo, who was in tears after Jan Oblak's brilliant save of his penalty in the 105th minute, was consoled by his teammates. Following a gruelling goalless draw, he successfully converted Portugal's first effort in the shootout. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa's saves from Josip Ilicic, Jure Balkovec, and Benjamin Verbic were instrumental in the victory.
Costa's heroics paved the way for Bernardo Silva to score the winning penalty after Bruno Fernandes had also found the net. This came after a similarly crucial save from Benjamin Sesko deep into extra time, as Slovenia came heartbreakingly close to a historic upset.
Viva Ronaldo
As always, Ronaldo took centre stage in this unforgettable match, though his wait for a first goal in Germany continues.
It wasn't for lack of effort; he was energetic and lively, especially in the first half, and his emotions were plain to see.
Throwing his arms skyward, punching the air in frustration, and roaring in dismay at missed opportunities became a familiar sight – but when his moment to shine arrived, he couldn’t capitalise.
The narrative nearly changed, but like Ronaldo, Slovenia’s star player Sesko missed his big chance with just four minutes left on the clock.
It was a game full of 'what ifs,' but ultimately, Portugal, who created the better chances and dominated for large periods, deserved their victory. Special credit goes to Costa for his sensational performance in the shootout.
When Silva scored the final penalty, he raced to his goalkeeper to celebrate, with Ronaldo among those sprinting behind, undoubtedly releasing huge feelings of relief and joy.
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Slovenia can build on strong defence
Slovenia fans have enjoyed an unforgettable few days, as this marks their country's first appearance in the knockout stages of a major tournament.
They arrived draped in flags, chanting, banging drums, and dancing in the stands two hours before kick-off.
When Ronaldo's penalty was tipped onto the post by Oblak, they set off flares in the stands at Frankfurt Arena and jeered as his earlier chances went unconverted.
Slovenia's players responded to their support, growing in confidence as the game wore on and becoming more of a threat on the counter-attack.
Sesko had a few chances before his one-on-one with Costa, but Oblak was kept busy at the other end, making crucial late saves to deny Palhinha and Ronaldo.
In the end, Slovenia exit the competition without losing a match in 90 or 120 minutes—drawing all their group games before this shootout defeat, including a hard-earned point against England.
