Portugal v Slovenia LIVE: Result as Diogo Costa saves Cristiano Ronaldo’s blushes in Euro 2024 penalty shootout
Cristiano Ronaldo and his talented Portugal team booked a quarter-final place at Euro 2024
Bernardo Silva struck the winning spot kick and Diogo Costa made three saves as Portugal won a penalty shootout 3-0 against battling Slovenia to reach the quarter-finals at Euro 2024 where they will meet France.
After a scoreless 90 minutes, Cristiano Ronaldo had a chance to put Portugal ahead from the penalty spot in the first half of extra time, but Jan Oblak saved brilliantly to leave the Portuguese captain in tears.
Neither side could fashion a goal and the game went to penalties, with Josep Ilicic having the first kick saved for the Slovenians before Ronaldo put his side ahead, and when Jure Balkovec’s spot kick was saved the writing was on the wall.
Costa then saved from Benjamin Verbic, setting Silva up to confidently slot home the winner to put Portugal through to the last eight and a meeting with the French in Hamburg on Friday.
Follow all the reaction from Portugal v Slovenia in Frankfurt below.
Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 5 minutes
Fired wide by Ruben Dias! The corner comes all the way through to the centre half at the back stick, but a nasty kick off this sometime problematic Frankfurt surface sends the ball off its predicted path. Dias’ left-footed swing at it thus sends it several yards wide.
Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 3 minutes
A bouncing ball is hacked forward by Nuno Mendes, and the left-back keeps on rumbling, haring after his own touch. The next one is untidier still, and Jan Oblak claims in comfort.
That’s more purposeful from Portugal, though, Bruno Fernandes producing a whipped delivery that Zan Karnicnik turns behind with Rafael Leao in close attention.
Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 2 minutes
Benjamin Sesko barges into the back of Joao Palhinha, sending the midfielder thudding into the deck. Portugal find their passing flow for the first time, but Slovenia monitor their movements sharply.
Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 1 minute
Nothing obviously unexpected from either side as they feel their way into the contest, Slovenia settling in their 4-4-2, Portugal with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line and Bruno Fernandes in behind.
KICK OFF!
Referee Daniele Orsato brings the whistle to his lips and we are underway in Frankfurt!
Portugal vs Slovenia
Righty ho, here we go. Extra time and penalties are (of course) available if required, though you fancy this might be done in 90 minutes.
Portugal vs Slovenia
Out the players come, Cristiano Ronaldo practicing a spring or two as he gets some energy into his legs. He and Pepe flank goalkeeper Diogo Costa at the end of the Portuguese line as the pair sing the national anthem for the 211th and 140th time respectively.
Slovenia, remember, are making their first apperance in the knockout stages of a major competition. Can they cause a shock?
Portugal vs Slovenia
Kick off rapidly approaching in Frankfurt. It’s an Italian officiating team tonight led by referee Daniele Orsato, who will have VAR Massimiliano Irrati in his ear if required.
Portugal vs Slovenia
It’s little surprise to see Portugal return to a back four, their defensive line looking slightly shaky both against the Czech Republic and Georgia when Roberto Martinez utilised three centre halves. You would expect them to dominate possession throughout tonight, and use those midfield lockpickers to try and work through Slovenia’s low block.
Portugal vs Slovenia
So France await the winner of tonight’s tie, a Frenchman still yet to score from open play at the tournament but Didier Deschamps’ side just about crawling on.
Portugal are big favourites, but that friendly win earlier in the year will give Slovenia belief. They’ve looked well organised so far at Euro 2024, while Benjamin Sesko is yet to produce the magic moments he is capable of. Is tonight the night the striker makes his mark?
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