EURO 2024: Portugal ousts Slovenia through penalties
Portugal ousted Slovenia through penalties on Monday to advance to the EURO 2024 quarterfinal against France.
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PORTUGAL OUSTS SLOVENIA THROUGH PENALTIES TO REACH QUARTERS AGAINST FRANCE
Portugal eliminated Slovenia through penalties at the Frankfurt Arena in Germany to advance to the quarterfinals against France.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva delivered in the shootout after a scoreless extra time to send Portugal into the next round.
Furthermore, Diogo Costa was also the catalyst, as the Porto goalkeeper saved all Slovenian spot-kicks to preserve Portugal’s win.
Ronaldo opened the scoring in the shootout after getting denied by Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak in extra time.
Fernandes and Silva followed Ronaldo’s lead with clutch conversions as Portugal gears up for a marquee matchup against Kylian Mbappe and France on Friday.
REDEMPTION FOR RONALDO AFTER GETTING DENIED OF GOAL IN EXTRA TIME
Furthermore, it was redemption for Ronaldo after he was denied a goal in extra time by Oblak.
Moreover, Ronaldo’s mother was in attendance at the match and was seen crying after her son missed his penalty.
“Sometimes, it’s hard and difficult to score penalties. I’ve scored more than 200 penalties in my career. Sometimes, it’s a mess,” Ronaldo told Portuguese broadcaster RTP.
“First, it was sadness and then it was joy, that’s what football gives you, inexplicable moments, a bit of everything,” he added.
Interestingly, the 39-year-old failed to score in eight straight major tournament matches despite playing the full 120 minutes.
SLOVENIA COACH NOTES RONALDO’S EMOTIONS ‘SHOW RESPECT’ FOR HIS TEAM
Furthermore, Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek noted Ronaldo’s emotions after missing a goal in extra time “showed respect” for his team.
“His emotions show respect for Slovenia, and that is what I am content with,” Kek said.
Moreover, Portugal’s coach Roberto Martinez, sympathized with Ronaldo but was happy his star player responded in the shootout.
“I was certain that he had to be the first penalty taker and show us the way to victory,” Martinez said.
“Life gives you difficult moments and the way he reacted makes us very proud,” he added.
Interestingly, Costa was honored he was playing on the same team as Ronaldo.
“We all know Cris is the hardest worker. I understand how frustrated he is,” Portugal’s goalkeeper said.
“For me, it’s an honor to play on the same team,” he added.
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