Portugal’s goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved three penalties in a row, helping Portugal win 3-0 in a shootout against Slovenia after a 0-0 draw in their Euro 2024 last-16 match on Monday. Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty in extra time, adding to the drama.
Portugal dominated the game but struggled to score. Costa made a crucial one-on-one save against Slovenia’s striker Benjamin Sesko, pushing Portugal into a quarter-final match against France in Hamburg on Friday.
In the shootout, Costa saved penalties from Josip Ilicic, Jure Balkovec, and Benjamin Verbic, making him the first keeper to save three penalties in a Euros shootout. “This is probably the best game of my life,” Costa said, expressing his joy at helping his team advance.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed several chances and a penalty in extra time, was emotional. “Even the strongest people have bad days,” Ronaldo said, tears in his eyes. He added that football is full of “inexplicable moments.”
Portugal earned a penalty in extra time after Diogo Jota was fouled. Ronaldo took the penalty, but Slovenia’s goalkeeper Jan Oblak saved it, adding to Ronaldo’s frustration. Slovenia defended well, and Sesko had two chances to score but missed both.
In the shootout, Ronaldo redeemed himself by scoring the first penalty for Portugal. Despite Slovenia’s strong defense, they couldn’t withstand Costa’s saves in the shootout, ending their tournament run.
Slovenia, despite not winning any games, made history by reaching the knockout rounds for the first time. Their goalkeeper Jan Oblak said, “We had the opportunity to score, but we were probably missing a bit of luck.”
In another match, France narrowly won 1-0 against Belgium with a late goal. France made most of the running but struggled with finishing. A deflected shot by Randal Kolo Muani, listed as a Jan Vertonghen own goal, secured their win. France will face Portugal in the quarter-finals, despite their struggles to score in open play. Coach Didier Deschamps remained positive, focusing on their progress to the next round.
Belgium’s Kevin de Bruyne expressed disappointment, saying, “We were defending pretty well, but then there’s a deflection. It’s a shame but that’s football.”
Portugal now looks ahead to their match against France, hoping to continue their journey in Euro 2024.
