Diogo Costa saved three penalties within the shoot-out to ship Portugal to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals after a dramatic goalless draw with Slovenia.
Cristiano Ronaldo noticed a penalty saved by Jan Oblak in extra-time, leaving the Al-Nassr star in tears, however he then dispatched his spot-kick on the shoot-out, with Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva additionally discovering the online.
However the hero was undoubtedly Selecao stopper Costa, who becmae the primary goalkeeper on the European Championship to save lots of three penalties in a shoot-out within the competitors’s historical past.
After seeing off the unfortunate Portugal have arrange a blockbuster quarter-final with France on Friday.
Slovenia frustrate Portugal
A usually disciplined begin from the underdog Slovenians restricted Portugal to few possibilities early on, with Ruben Dias scuffing one large after an ungainly bobble on the Frankfurt turf.
Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes had been each then inches away from delivering a Bernardo Silva cross because the Selecao tried to up the ante.
Ronaldo, nonetheless trying to find his first aim on the event, noticed a free-kick fly simply over the bar earlier than one other missed heading alternative, together with his frustration solely rising because the half went on.
Talisman striker Benjamin Sesko was the primary to check the gloves of Diogo Costa however his highly effective effort from distance on the break went straight within the Portugal goalkeeper’s fingers.
It was Portugal who went the closest earlier than half-time, with some good work from Rafael Leao on the left permitting Joao Palhinha to strike a shot off the surface of the publish.
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The second half started with a superb jinking Joao Cancelo run, who twisted and turned earlier than his cross finally discovered Bernardo, who couldn’t preserve his shot down, with Ronaldo stinging the palms of Oblak with one other free-kick moments later.
Cancelo was closely concerned in just a few extra good strikes on the correct however as soon as once more, some decided Slovenian defending was equal to it.
Sesko then showcased why he’s so in-demand at membership degree after bursting previous Pepe on the run, however the 41-year-old did simply sufficient to place the RB Leipzig striker off as he dragged his shot large.
Portugal’s momentum slowed although and the sport appeared destined for additional time as we approached the ninetieth minute.
Simply earlier than that although, Ronaldo appeared like he may lastly have his second after being performed by on aim however his shot went straight at Oblak who stood agency.
However after 73% possession and 13 pictures, there was no approach by Slovenia for Ronaldo and Co, as they had been compelled to play 30 extra minutes to determine a hard-fought tie.
Portugal lastly received the clear-cut probability they had been determined for in extra-time from the penalty spot after a robust run by substitute Diogo Jota compelled Vanja Drkusic to carry the Liverpool ahead down.
Up stepped Ronaldo… however so did Oblak once more because the Atletico Madrid stopper pulled out a surprising save to disclaim his former Actual Madrid counterpart.
Cristiano Ronaldo MISSES from the spot! ❌#BBCEuros #Euro2024 #PORSVN pic.twitter.com/nsDwV5ezTL
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 1, 2024
Amongst all of the chaos, Slovenia boss Matjaz Kek was proven a purple card and despatched to the stands, with opposing boss Robeeto Martinez additionally proven a yellow for his half in a fracas as the primary half of extra-time drew to an in depth.
The drama didn’t cease there as a sloppy contact from Pepe put Sesko by on aim with an opportunity to make himself a nationwide hero however he couldn’t take it as his side-footed shot was telegraphed for Costa to make the save.
Pepe with a HUGE error! ❌
How did Benjamin Sesko not rating? #BBCEuros #Euro2024 #PORSVN pic.twitter.com/6kaDkpmLsH
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 1, 2024
And with that, each side’ alternatives handed and the sport headed for penalties because of a monumental defensive effort by Slovenia throughout 120 minutes.
Penalties determine the tie
Portugal claimed the benefit as Costa saved Josep Ilicic’s spot-kick earlier than Ronaldo, lastly, beat Oblak from the spot.
It then continued to go their approach as Costa unfold himself to save lots of one other from Jure Balvocec, as Bruno Fernandes put them 2-0 up.
Costa wasn’t achieved there as he saved one more from Benjamin Vrbic to place Portugal a aim away from the quarter-finals,
Bernardo Silva did the honours and coolly discovered the online, leaving Slovenia crestfallen and Portugal almightily relieved.
