Portugal qualified for the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 after eliminating Slovenia with a 0-0 (3-0) penalty shootout win in the last 16 match which was held at Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt, Monday (1/7/2024).
No goals were scored at all, either from Portugal or Slovenia during the 2×45 minutes of normal time. The match had to continue into extra time.
Likewise what happened in the extra time round. Portugal and Slovenia both had golden opportunities, but the long-awaited goal did not come.
Portugal finally emerged victorious after beating Slovenia in the penalty shootout. Diogo Costa performed extraordinary by thwarting three Slovenian kickers.
Thanks to this result, Portugal has the right to qualify for the quarter-finals to face France, which previously succeeded in eliminating Belgium with a 1-0 win. The duel vs France will be held on Saturday (6/7/2024).
Portugal and Slovenia tried to play openly from the start of the match. Both teams also had a number of opportunities. However, not a single goal was scored until the match entered the halftime break.
Returning from the dressing room, Portugal tried to increase the effectiveness of the attack by including Diogo Jota and Francisco Conceicao. On the other hand, Slovenia’s defense is still difficult to penetrate.
Entering the final minutes, Portugal had a golden opportunity through the action of Cristiano Ronaldo. Unfortunately, Jan Oblak still managed to save his shot. The 0-0 score lasted until normal time ended.
In extra time, Portugal received a penalty after Vanja Drkusic violated Diogo Jota in the forbidden box. Unfortunately, Ronaldo’s penalty was saved by Oblak with a brilliant save.
In the second half, Pepe made a fatal blunder at the back. Luckily for Portugal, Benjamin Sesko’s shot was blocked by Diogo Costa. The 0-0 score did not change so the winner had to be determined via penalty shootout.
This round is a special stage for Diogo Costa. The goalkeeper performed fantastically by thwarting Slovenia’s first three kickers. Meanwhile, Portugal’s three executors all managed to score goals. Portugal also emerged as the winner.
