Portugal held their nerve to defeat Slovenia and advance to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 in an exciting penalty shootout, sending Cristiano Ronaldo into tears after having his penalty saved by Jan Oblak in extra time, but managed to redeem himself with one of three kicks that got past Costa in Frankfurt.
To know more about Portugal National Football Team vs Slovenia National Football Team Stats just read the whole article and get all information.
1. Portugal – 1. Slovenia
The Portugal national football team is a professional association football team representing Portugal internationally in football competition. Competing at major tournaments such as the World Cup and European Championships as well as regularly appearing in FIFA Confederations Cup. Their most significant victory came at 2016 UEFA Euro against France at its finals; Portugal have been members of UEFA since 1992.
Portugal boasts a proud and extensive tradition in European club football. Many of their greatest players first made an impactful mark at club levels in Italy, Germany and Spain before going on to represent Portugal internationally with its national team.
Ronaldo made amends for an earlier penalty miss and Diogo Costa saved three shots to lead Portugal past Slovenia in an exciting penalty shootout at Euro 2024 to reach the quarterfinals. FOX Soccer NOW looks closer at an emotional night in Frankfurt.
Portugal have had mixed fortunes during this tournament. After taking control of their first two matches comfortably, they were held to a 2-0 draw by Georgia in their final group game – which manager Roberto Martinez managed by resting several experienced players while Josip Ilicic scored the winning goal for Georgia!
Portugal are one of the premier teams worldwide according to FIFA and have an acclaimed squad capable of winning any match they play. Led by Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo and including several high-net-worth players such as Goncalo Ramos as defender, they regularly make history on the pitch.
2. Goals
Portugal were clearly the better team during the opening 90 minutes, yet struggled to break through. Finally, in the final minute before extra time Joao Palhinha managed to hit a shot against the post and score his goal.
Slovenia was solid throughout. They focused on wide passing and throwing crosses in, which played to their defensive strengths but failed to unlock Portugal’s attack. Slovenia managed only three shots on target all game long; its expected goals total was also lower than any other team in this competition.
But in the second half, the hosts proved far more dangerous, playing more direct and going close several times. RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko had one of the best chances in the match when he outwitted Pepe to reach Diogo Costa directly and have one-on-one contact; unfortunately however, Jan Oblak pulled off an amazing save to prevent an attempted finish by this youngster.
Oblak made another remarkable save against Cristiano Ronaldo when he extended a hand to deflect Real Madrid star’s shot away from the post and into play. It was an exceptional moment in an extraordinary match.
Extra time drama continued right up to its conclusion. First, Jaka Bijol was booked for fouling Jota before Matjaz Kek’s side was awarded a penalty kick – only Jota could win it for his team by shooting straight at an onrushing goalkeeper.
Portugal defeated Slovenia in an exhilarating encounter, one that could have gone either way and with palpable tension throughout. Portugal advanced thanks to goalkeeper Diogo Costa who saved three Slovenia attempts. We look forward to watching these two sides face each other again in the quarterfinals.
3. Goalscorers
Portugal national football team has seen some of the finest players ever grace their side, such as Eusebio who famously scored nine goals at 1970 FIFA World Cup tournament and became an icon to a generation of young Portuguese players. His performance helped Portugal make the final where they lost against Uruguay.
Ronaldo has represented his national side on multiple occasions and boasts over 60 international goals scored during this time, becoming the all-time leading goal scorer for Portugal. Additionally, Ronaldo won three Champions League championships while at Real Madrid.
At the 2024 European Championship, Portugal were placed in an extremely challenging group alongside Iceland, Austria and Hungary. After losing to Denmark in their opening game, they rallied back and went on to finish top of their group by winning both remaining matches before going through two playoff matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina to advance directly to the knockout rounds.
Both teams are expected to field full squads for this match. Portugal are free from injuries while Slovenia are without notable players missing from their side. Cristiano Ronaldo will look to add to his impressive goal scoring record against a strong Slovenian side while Jan Oblak will hope to secure another goalless Euro qualifier campaign. Both sides will want to avoid defeat and secure their places in the quarterfinals; so the match promises to be an intriguing encounter! With many star players expected on either team, this match should make for an exciting encounter!
4. Goals conceded
At 90 minutes and after more than an hour of extra time, neither side had scored, due to some fantastic defensive work by Slovenia. But then in extra time Pepe stepped on the ball, giving Sesko space for a side-footed attempt at breaking clear against Diogo Costa who brilliantly blocked it with his leg – sending this match-up directly into penalties with Cristiano Ronaldo being on penalty duty as one of his targets.
Portugal are beginning to use the ball more creatively and are becoming a threat in more direct areas, but Ronaldo appears fatigued as his effort from 12 yards is blocked by Petar Stojanovic.
Within minutes, Joao Cancelo outwitted two defenders and tried to pass to Bernardo Silva – but his cross was intercepted off the line by Andraz Sporar and cleared away from danger.
As time ticks away, tension mounts. Jan Oblak saved Ronaldo’s penalty kick and sent this match into extra time.
Slovenia are in for an anxious finale as Jure Balkovec fouls Palhinha and is booked, setting up the possibility of a penalty shootout.
5. Goalkeepers
Cristiano Ronaldo may be an international icon, but Diogo Costa has been the beating heart of Portugal at Euro 2024. On July 1st he saved three penalties against Slovenia during a 3-0 shootout win that propelled them into quarter-finals – even as Ronaldo missed his penalty himself and left him visibly emotional and in tears during extra time play.
Portugal’s win against lower FIFA rankings marked their third time beating an opponent from that group and made them the first side ever to advance past four knockout rounds at any major tournament, while continuing a record-setting run that saw them qualify all 10 qualifiers for this tournament and reach all knockout rounds of major competitions en route to reaching four knockout rounds at this one as well. They will next play France in the last eight.
As many key players retire, Paulo Bento will look to rebuild under new coach, following Scolari’s departure after Portugal’s disappointing Euro 2016 exit against Germany.
Portugal’s most capped player is Ronaldo, having represented his nation over 400 times and scoring more than 450 goals across European competitions. Ronaldo has collected 25 medals to his name – nine Champions League trophies among them – while also appearing in two World Cup finals.
Portuguese soccer teams have long been revered for their unique brand of play, which features passing and intricate combinations at the centre of the pitch. Their kit reflects this approach with white being their main color with red or green used as highlights on shorts and socks – this has been their signature look since competing internationally in 1968.
