Portugal secured a spot in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals with a dramatic 3-0 penalty shootout victory over Slovenia on Monday, following a goalless draw.
Despite facing the 57th-ranked team, the match was filled with tension and emotional moments, particularly for Portugal’s star captain, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo missed a crucial penalty in the first period of extra time after Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak saved his shot, leading to a visibly emotional reaction from the 39-year-old forward. His mother, present in the stadium, was also seen in tears.
“Sometimes it’s hard and difficult to score penalties,” Ronaldo told Portuguese broadcaster RTP after the match. “I’ve scored more than 200 penalties in my career. Sometimes it’s a mess.”
The match ultimately went to a penalty shootout, where Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa made three crucial saves against Slovenia’s Josip Ilicic, Jure Balkovec, and Benjamin Verbič. Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva successfully converted their penalties for Portugal, sealing the 3-0 shootout win.
“I was certain that he had to be the first penalty taker and show us the way to victory,” Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said.
Portugal will face France in the quarterfinals on Friday in Hamburg, a rematch of the 2016 final that Portugal won in Paris after Ronaldo went off injured early.
Reflecting on the match, Ronaldo expressed mixed emotions. “I was sad and now I’m overjoyed. This is what football gives you,” he said.
Diogo Costa, who played a crucial role in the shootout, praised Ronaldo’s work ethic. “We all know that Cris is the hardest worker. I understand how frustrated he is,” Costa said. “For me, it’s an honor to play on the same team.”
The match was marked by several missed opportunities from both sides. Ronaldo had a particularly frustrating first 90 minutes, with three free kicks, two mistimed headers, and a missed shot in the 89th minute.
Slovenia’s emerging star, Benjamin Šeško, also had chances to win the game, particularly in the 62nd and 115th minutes, but failed to convert.
Reflecting on the match, Slovenia coach Matjaž Kek acknowledged Ronaldo’s display of emotion. “His emotions show respect for Slovenia,” Kek said, “and that is what I am content with.”
Portugal continues its quest to reclaim the European title it won in 2016, while Slovenia exits the tournament after drawing all four of its games.
