Portugal beat Slovenia in a penalty shootout on Monday in the round of 16 of Euro 2024. Cristiano Ronaldo’s teammates will face France on Friday in the quarter-finals.
Published on: 01/07/2024 – 23:42Modified on: 01/07/2024 – 23:46
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In the Frankfurt Arena, Portugal assumed their status as favourites on Monday 1st July. The Seleçao pushed from the start and put pressure on a Slovenia already happy to be there and playing with its weapons. The inevitable Cristiano Ronaldo was on his feet, even if he was too short to take the cross from Bruno Fernandes (4th) and that of Bernardo Silva (13th) or clumsy on a service from Leao (8th).
The connection on the right of the Portuguese team is lively. Nuno Mendes and Rafael Leao are giving the Slovenians a hard time. When the latter escapes behind the defense, Drkusic has no choice but to foul. On the free kick, CR7 curls a powerful shot that grazes the crossbar (34th).
Also read: Euro 2024: the indefatigable Cristiano Ronaldo in (CR)7 figures
The best chance of the first half was initiated by Cristiano Ronaldo who served Leao. The latter resisted Drkusic then found Palhinha behind. The latter’s shot hit the post (44th) just before the return to the locker room. On the return, Cancelo slalomed into the area but missed his cross (46th).
Slovenia is not getting its head above water, except for a meager Šeško who narrowly misses (51st). Finally flagged offside. Then, the Leipzig striker stumbles on Diogo Costa (61st). Cristiano Ronaldo responds with several artillery shots on Jan Oblak. The Slovenian goalkeeper holds firm (55th, 72nd,). CR7 stumbles one last time on Oblak before extra time (89th).
Ronaldo’s tears
An extension that confirms the bogging down of the rhythm and Portugal struggling to create opportunities. The Seleçao thinks they have done the hardest part when Diego Jota impales himself on Drkušić and wins a penalty. But Oblak wins his duel against Cristiano Ronaldo (105th). The five-time Ballon d’Or is in tears at this miss.
A strong image of a great champion. Cristiano Ronaldo in tears after his missed penalty against Oblak. Come on Slovenia, but what a player nonetheless #PORSLO #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/WWBENy8r2Q
— Sébastien Riglet (@SebastienRiglet) July 1, 2024
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Portugal are stunned and Slovenia try to take their chances. Šeško takes advantage of a huge miss by Pepe and comes face to face with Diogo Costa. It takes all the talent of the Portuguese goalkeeper to push away the shot (115th). But the decision will be made on penalties.
And in this game, it is Diogo Coasta who is the strongest. He saves the first three penalties of Slovenia to offer qualification to Portugal.
Next stop on Cristiano Ronaldo’s road: Les Bleus, who earlier beat Belgium.
