Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved three penalties from Slovenia to present his facet a 3-0 shoot-out win after Cristiano Ronaldo redeemed himself in a dramatic Euro 2024 final 16 encounter on Monday. Portugal ahead Ronaldo cried after lacking a penalty within the first interval of extra-time in a goalless tie in Frankfurt. However he scored within the shoot-out to present Portugal victory and a spot in a blockbuster quarter-final conflict with France. Slovenia fought valiantly to maintain Portugal behind, with Jan Oblak making a superb save to cease Ronaldo's penalty after Diogo Jota was fouled.
Nevertheless, Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva scored within the shootout and the Slovenia trio missed, giving Selesao the possibility to attain in heartbreaking trend.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez adopted a extra acquainted 4-3-3 system after his facet suffered an embarrassing defeat to debutants Georgia of their ultimate group match when he deployed three gamers within the defensive position.
The Euro 2016 winners dominated the ball and created their first likelihood after 12 minutes when Silva's beautiful cross eluded Ronaldo and Fernandes couldn’t rating on the far publish.
Slovenia, enjoying their first knock-out match in a serious competitors, held their defence effectively and restricted Portugal's probabilities.
Former Actual Madrid striker Ronaldo scored with a gentle header over his previous rival Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Oblak underneath stress from Vanja Drakusic.
The Slovenian defender was booked moments later for bringing down Rafael Leao as he charged in the direction of Oblak's objective.
Ronaldo smashed the free-kick over the bar regardless of the goalkeeper being stretched vast.
Slovenia had their first effort simply earlier than halftime when RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Cesco fired previous Costa from the sting of the field.
Portugal holding midfielder Joao Palhinha hit a low drive vast of the publish with the ultimate kick of the primary half, adopted by additional good work from the damaging Leao.
Ronaldo compelled Oblak right into a save with one other thumping free-kick early within the second half because the Al-Nassr ahead tried in useless to breach Slovenia's defensive wall as England comfortably held on for a goalless draw within the group stage.
Matjaz Kek's facet had a golden likelihood to take the lead however Cesco couldn't get a shot off regardless of outpacing 41-year-old Pepe, the oldest participant within the competitors's historical past, when it comes to tempo.
Portugal captain Ronaldo, decided to attain, smashed one other free-kick over the crossbar with 20 minutes remaining.
The striker had an opportunity to stage the sport from open play two minutes earlier than the tip however may solely shoot straight at Oblak from the left, forcing further time.
The tempo slowed in further time and the primary interval was uneventful, till the 103rd minute when Jota broke into the realm and fell on the foot of Derkusic for a penalty.
Ronaldo hit a robust shot to Oblak's left, however the goalkeeper made a superb save to forestall it from hitting the goalpost.
Through the intermission of additional time, Ronaldo broke down in tears due to his miss, and Portugal followers sang his title to spice up his shattered morale.
Slovenia missed one other huge likelihood when Pepe misplaced the ball from a free go and Cesco stole it in to attain.
The ahead hit the ball very near Costa, who saved it effectively together with his foot, necessitating a penalty shootout – a primary in Slovenia.
Slovenia batted first and substitute Josip Ilicic's effort was brilliantly saved by Costa.
Ronaldo buried his kick and apologised to the followers behind the objective for lacking the objective in further time, earlier than Costa saved Slovenia's second objective from Jure Balkovec.
Costa saved Benjamin Verbic's third consecutive penalty after Fernandes had scored and Silva gained it by sending Oblak the flawed method.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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