Portugal Triumphs Over Slovenia in Penalty Shootout to Reach Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals
Portugal secured a spot in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals by defeating Slovenia 3-0 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw on Monday. Bernardo Silva scored the decisive penalty, while goalkeeper Diogo Costa emerged as the hero in Frankfurt by saving all three Slovenian penalties.
Cristiano Ronaldo was emotional after his extra-time penalty was saved by Jan Oblak, a moment that was broadcast on the big screen at the Frankfurt Arena, leading fans to chant “Viva Ronaldo.” However, Ronaldo redeemed himself by scoring in the shootout. Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva also converted their penalties, setting up a high-stakes quarter-final clash with France on Friday.
Slovenia’s rising star, Benjamin Sesko, missed a crucial opportunity when his attempt was thwarted by Costa deep into extra-time. This came after Ronaldo’s controversial penalty, awarded for a foul on Diogo Jota, was superbly saved by Oblak.
“First it was sadness and then it was joy, that’s what football gives you, inexplicable moments, a bit of everything,” said Ronaldo, who played the full 120 minutes but has now gone eight consecutive major tournament matches without scoring.
Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martinez, now faces a critical decision on whether to keep Ronaldo in the starting line-up for the quarter-finals. Nevertheless, his team advances, thanks to the heroics of their goalkeeper.
