Portugal Edges Slovenia in Dramatic Euro 2024 Penalty Shootout

In a thrilling encounter at Euro 2024, Portugal narrowly escaped a major upset by defeating Slovenia 3-0 on penalties after a goalless draw in regular and extra time. The match, held in Frankfurt, saw both teams battling fiercely, but it was Portugal’s goalkeeper Diogo Costa who emerged as the hero, saving three penalties in the shootout.

Match Summary

Portugal dominated possession early on, with Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes creating several chances. However, Slovenia’s defense, led by Jan Oblak, held firm. Cristiano Ronaldo had a night to forget, missing a crucial penalty in extra time, which could have sealed the victory for Portugal.

Slovenia, on the other hand, had their moments, with Benjamin Sesko coming close to scoring on multiple occasions. Despite their valiant efforts, they couldn’t find the back of the net, and the match went to penalties.

Penalty Shootout Drama

In the penalty shootout, Diogo Costa was the star, saving all three of Slovenia’s attempts. Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva successfully converted their penalties, securing Portugal’s place in the quarter-finals against France.

Player Ratings

Diogo Costa: 9/10 - The hero of the night with three crucial saves in the shootout.

Cristiano Ronaldo: 6/10 - Missed a vital penalty but showed leadership throughout.

Bernardo Silva: 8/10 - Created numerous chances and scored in the shootout.

Bruno Fernandes: 7/10 - Solid performance and a successful penalty.

Jan Oblak (Slovenia): 8/10 - Outstanding saves, including Ronaldo’s penalty in extra time.

Looking Ahead

Portugal will face France in the quarter-finals, a match that promises to be another exciting encounter. With Diogo Costa in top form and the team looking to improve their finishing, Portugal will aim to continue their journey in Euro 2024.

Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analysis of Euro 2024 matches.