Portugal advanced to the quarterfinals of Euro 2024 after defeating Slovenia in a dramatic penalty shootout on Monday. The match ended 0-0 after regular and extra time, with Portugal winning the shootout 3-0.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal's star captain, played a pivotal role in the match, although it was a night filled with emotional highs and lows for him. Ronaldo missed a penalty in the 105th minute, saved by Slovenia's goalkeeper Jan Oblak. Despite the miss, Ronaldo and his teammates secured victory in the shootout.
“Sometimes it’s hard and difficult to score penalties,” Ronaldo told Portuguese broadcaster RTP after the match. “I’ve scored more than 200 penalties in my career. Sometimes it’s a mess.”
Portugal's victory was ultimately sealed by the performances in the penalty shootout. Diogo Costa, Portugal's goalkeeper, saved all three of Slovenia’s penalty attempts. Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva also scored their penalties, ensuring Portugal's progress to the next round.
“I was certain that he had to be the first penalty taker and show us the way to victory,” Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said. “Life gives you difficult moments and the way he reacted makes us very proud.”
Portugal will face France in the quarterfinals on Friday in Hamburg, a rematch of the 2016 final that Portugal won in Paris after Ronaldo went off injured early.
The match was a challenging one for Ronaldo. He had several opportunities to score, including three free kicks and a clear shot in the 89th minute, but was repeatedly denied by Oblak. The intense duel between Ronaldo and Oblak was a highlight of the game.
Slovenia also had their chances, particularly through Benjamin Šeško, who had two one-on-one opportunities with Costa but failed to convert.
Slovenia’s coach, Matjaž Kek, expressed his respect for Ronaldo's emotions during the match. “His emotions show respect for Slovenia,” Kek said.
Portugal, aiming to reclaim the European title they won in 2016, now prepares for their next challenge against France.
