Portugal v Slovenia LIVE: Result as Diogo Costa saves Cristiano Ronaldo’s blushes in Euro 2024 penalty shootout

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.

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.

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.

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.

Referee Daniele Orsato brings the whistle to his lips and we are underway in Frankfurt!

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.

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?

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.

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.

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?