Portugal Advances To Euro 2024 Quarterfinals, Ronaldo’s Redemption In Shootout Victory Over Slovenia

New Delhi: Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved three Slovenia penalties to obtain a 3-0 shoot-out victory for his aspect after Cristiano Ronaldo purchased a possibility to redeem himself in a problematic Euro 2024 round of 16 clash on Monday.

Portugal legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo couldn’t absorb his emotions as he broke down in tears after he missed a penalty in the predominant duration of extra-time in a goalless tie in Frankfurt. But he recovered to rework in the shoot-out as Portugal secured a quarter-final berth in opposition to France, which goes to be a blockbuster clash of the match.

Slovenia displayed their resilience all the diagram by and saved Portugal at the brink of elimination, with Jan Oblak making an ravishing place to withhold out Ronaldo’s penalty after Diogo Jota become fouled.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez reverted to a extra acquainted 4-3-3 arrangement after his aspect become embarrassed by debutant Georgia in its last group game when he deployed three at the back.

The 2016 European champions dominated with the ball and created its first likelihood after 12 minutes of the game when Silva’s accurat circulation correct refrained from Ronaldo and Fernandes couldn't turn haome at the some distance post.

Slovenia, taking part in in its first-ever knock-out match at a well-known competition, maintained its defensive shape properly and restricted Portugal’s alternatives.

Feeble Exact Madrid striker Ronaldo directed a soft header at his aged nemesis, Atletico Madrid keeper Oblak, underneath needed power from Vanja Drkusic.

The Slovenian defender purchased a reserving moments later for bringing down the surging Rafael Leao, who become charging in opposition to Oblak’s purpose.

Ronaldo’s highly effective free-kick narrowly sailed over the bar, with Oblak at beefy stretch.

Slovenia’s first staunch effort no longer off beam came correct ahead of half of-time when RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko fired a shot at Costa from the brink of the box.

Portugal’s holding midfielder Joao Palhinha nearly doubled the lead, hitting the exterior of the post with a low power on the final kick of the predominant half of, following extra knowing play by the menacing Leao.

Early in the 2d half of, Ronaldo compelled a solid place from Oblak with one other venomous free-kick, because the Al-Nassr forward relentlessly tried to interrupt down Slovenia’s defensive wall, which had efficiently held England to a goalless scheme in the group stage.

Matjaz Kek’s aspect had a golden likelihood to rob the lead on a uncommon counterattack, but Sesko dragged his shot broad after outpacing 41-12 months-aged Pepe, the oldest participant in the competition’s history.

Mute definite to ranking, Portugal captain Ronaldo launched yet one other highly effective free-kick over the crossbar with 20 minutes final.

The striker had a possibility to resolve the game in beginning play with two minutes to transfer but, in down the left, may simplest shoot straight at Oblak, main to extra-time.

The dart slowed in extra-time, and the predominant duration become largely uneventful except the 103rd minute. Then, Jota charged into the condominium and went down over Drkusic’s leg, earning Portugal a penalty.

Ronaldo stepped up and fired a highly effective shot to Oblak’s left, however the goalkeeper made an ravishing place, tipping the wretchedness onto the post and out.

At half of-time of extra-time, Ronaldo become in tears after his miss, with Portugal fans singing his establish to comprehend his spirits.

Slovenia had one other golden opportunity when Pepe’s free pass become intercepted by Sesko, who raced by on purpose.

The forward fired too conclude to Costa who produced a astonishing place with his leg, forcing a penalty shoot-out — Slovenia’s first ever.

Slovenia went first and substitute Josip Ilicic’s effort become brilliantly saved by Costa.

Ronaldo buried his kick and asked for forgiveness from the fans in the back of the aim for his extra-time miss, ahead of Costa saved Slovenia’s 2d from Jure Balkovec.

Costa made a Third consecutive penalty place from Benjamin Verbic after Fernandes converted and Silva won it as he despatched Oblak the bad approach.