Portugal advanced to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Slovenia in Frankfurt, thanks to goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who saved three penalties.
Despite Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo missing a penalty in extra-time, Costa’s heroics in the shoot-out secured a 3-0 victory. The match had ended goalless after 120 minutes, with Slovenia, the lowest-ranked team remaining in the tournament, putting up a strong defensive effort.
Ronaldo had multiple opportunities, including several off-target free-kicks and a penalty saved by Slovenia’s goalkeeper Jan Oblak in extra-time. Slovenia’s Benjamin Sesko also had a golden chance to score but was denied by Costa after a slip by veteran defender Pepe.
Costa’s saves in the shoot-out included stops against Josip Ilicic, Jure Balkovec, and Benjamin Verbic. Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva converted their penalties for Portugal, with Silva’s goal securing their place in the quarter-finals against France in Hamburg.
Portugal started the match positively, with Rafael Leao and Joao Palhinha coming close to scoring. Ronaldo had another free-kick opportunity in the second half, but Oblak was equal to it. Slovenia threatened on the break, with Sesko almost capitalizing on a mistake by Pepe.
The crucial moment came in the 105th minute when Portugal was awarded a penalty, but Ronaldo’s attempt was brilliantly saved by Oblak. Despite the miss, Costa’s penalty shoot-out heroics ensured Portugal’s progression, setting up a clash with France on Friday.
