Portugal in the quarter-finals after 3-0 penalty shootout against Slovenia

The co-favorite secured their place in the round of 16 against Slovenia with a confident 3-0 win on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes. In the nerve-wracking battle on Monday in Frankfurt, goalkeeper Diogo Costa was the much-celebrated hero for the Portuguese team led by team manager Roberto Martinez with three saves.

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Ronaldo’s penalty was saved by Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak in a defensive battle in the 105th minute, and the 39-year-old missed out on becoming the oldest goalscorer at a European Championship. During the half-time meeting that followed, the Al-Nassr striker burst into tears and had to be consoled by his teammates. In the penalty shootout, Ronaldo was the first Portugal player to score and remained cool and apologized to the fans.

Rematch of 2016 final in the quarter-finals

This means that the quarter-final against France in Hamburg on Saturday will be a repeat of the 2016 European Championship final, which Portugal won. The Equipe Tricolore had beaten Belgium 1-0 just a few hours earlier. The Slovenians, led by team manager Matjaz Kek, advanced to the knockout phase after three draws in the group phase, defended bravely and were able to say goodbye with their heads held high.

Martinez had a well-rested eleven at his disposal against Slovenia, after a “B-eleven” had played in the final group match against Georgia (0:2). The winner of Group F took control as expected, and in the first quarter of an hour the statistics showed 75 percent possession. But there were no big chances against the Slovenians’ two defensive four-man chains. The biggest highlight of the opening phase was provided by “juggler” Ronaldo, who repeatedly forked the ball up into the air, delighting his own fans.

Slovenians played on the counterattack

After half an hour, the Portuguese approached a little more dangerously, after a number of crosses had previously failed to find a taker. A Ronaldo header was no problem for Oblak (31st minute), and the Atletico Madrid goalkeeper was also on hand to save a powerful Ronaldo free kick from around 20 metres that went just over the crossbar (34th minute). The Slovenians occasionally tried their luck with counterattacks, and a long-range shot from ex-Salzburg player Benjamin Sesko (44th minute) landed right in Costa’s arms.

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Shortly before the half-time whistle, Joao Palhinha hit the outside post from the edge of the penalty area (45th+3). After the break, the Portuguese continued to push for the lead. A shot from Bernardo Silva went way over the bar (47th), another Ronaldo free kick (55th) from a good position was too central. For the Slovenians, it was Sesko again who posed a threat: the 21-year-old Leipzig striker ran away from the 41-year-old Pepe, but the finish was completely missed (61st).

Ronaldo unlucky for a long time

In the 72nd minute, Ronaldo again shot a free kick over the bar, and in the 89th minute the 39-year-old was denied by Oblak from a brilliant position, thus wasting a decision in regular time. In extra time, the Slovenians had the first chances with shots from Benjamin Verbic (95th) and professional striker Jon Gorenc Stankovic (96th). Then “joker” Diogo Jota broke through and fell in the penalty area after a collision with Vanja Drkusic (103rd). Referee Daniele Orsato pointed to the penalty spot. But Ronaldo lost his nerve and Slovenia was left with hope.

Shortly afterwards, Oblak again secured the lead with a Palhinha header (108th minute). In the 115th minute, Sesko appeared alone in front of Costa after a Pepe mistake, but was stopped by the goalkeeper’s foot. The Porto goalie was also unbeatable in the penalty shootout.