Portugal Edge Past Resilient Slovenia on Penalties to Reach Euro Quarterfinals
Portugal secured their place in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals after defeating Slovenia 3-0 on penalties in a tightly contested round of 16 clash. The game finished 0-0 after 120 minutes as Slovenia's organized defense frustrated Portugal's attacks.
In the shootout, Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa emerged as the hero by saving three consecutive spot kicks from the Slovenians. Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed a penalty in extra time, stepped up to score the first for Portugal which settled the nerves. Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva were also on target from 12 yards as Fernando Santos' men set up a tantalizing last eight clash against world champions France.
The Slovenian defense restricted Portugal to just a few clear chances throughout the game despite their opponents enjoying greater spells of possession. Ronaldo came closest in the first half with a powerful header that was palmed wide by Jan Oblak.
As the game wore on, Portugal struggled to breakdown the organized Slovenian backline. Ronaldo spurned a golden chance in extra time when his penalty after a foul on Diogo Jota was stopped by Oblak. The game went to penalties where Costa's heroics ultimately sent Portugal through.
Portugal can now look ahead to a blockbuster quarterfinal meeting with Les Bleus on July 5th. But they will do well to be more clinical against a French attack that showed its potency in dismantling Poland in the previous round. For Slovenia, their EURO 2024 campaign ends after a resilient defensive display that fell just short of a subsequent round berth.
