Diogo Costa saved three penalties in the shoot-out to send Portugal to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals after a dramatic goalless draw with Slovenia.
Cristiano Ronaldo saw a penalty saved by Jan Oblak in extra-time, leaving the Al-Nassr star in tears, but he then dispatched his spot-kick on the shoot-out, with Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva also finding the net.
But the hero was undoubtedly Selecao stopper Costa, who becmae the first goalkeeper at the European Championship to save three penalties in a shoot-out in the competition’s history.
After seeing off the unlucky Portugal have set up a blockbuster quarter-final with France on Friday.
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Slovenia frustrate Portugal
A typically disciplined start from the underdog Slovenians restricted Portugal to few chances early on, with Ruben Dias scuffing one wide after an awkward bobble on the Frankfurt turf.
Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes were both then inches away from turning in a Bernardo Silva cross as the Selecao attempted to up the ante.
Ronaldo, still searching for his first goal at the tournament, saw a free-kick fly just over the bar before another missed heading opportunity, with his frustration only increasing as the half went on.
Talisman striker Benjamin Sesko was the first to test the gloves of Diogo Costa but his powerful effort from distance on the break went straight in the Portugal goalkeeper’s hands.
It was Portugal who went the closest before half-time, with some good work from Rafael Leao on the left allowing Joao Palhinha to strike a shot off the outside of the post.
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The second half began with a brilliant jinking Joao Cancelo run, who twisted and turned before his cross eventually found Bernardo, who could not keep his shot down, with Ronaldo stinging the palms of Oblak with another free-kick moments later.
Cancelo was heavily involved in a few more good moves on the right but once again, some determined Slovenian defending was equal to it.
Sesko then showcased why he is so in-demand at club level after bursting past Pepe on the run, but the 41-year-old did just enough to put the RB Leipzig striker off as he dragged his shot wide.
Portugal’s momentum slowed though and the game seemed destined for extra time as we approached the 90th minute.
Just before that though, Ronaldo looked like he might finally have his moment after being played through on goal but his shot went straight at Oblak who stood firm.
Drama in extra-time
But after 73% possession and 13 shots, there was no way through Slovenia for Ronaldo and Co, as they were forced to play 30 more minutes to decide a hard-fought tie.
Portugal finally got the clear-cut chance they were desperate for in extra-time from the penalty spot after a powerful run by substitute Diogo Jota forced Vanja Drkusic to bring the Liverpool forward down.
Up stepped Ronaldo… but so did Oblak again as the Atletico Madrid stopper pulled out a stunning save to deny his former Real Madrid counterpart.
Cristiano Ronaldo MISSES from the spot! ❌#BBCEuros #Euro2024 #PORSVN pic.twitter.com/nsDwV5ezTL
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 1, 2024
Amongst all the chaos, Slovenia boss Matjaz Kek was shown a red card and sent to the stands, with opposing boss Robeeto Martinez also shown a yellow for his part in a fracas as the first half of extra-time drew to a close.
The drama did not stop there as a sloppy touch from Pepe put Sesko through on goal with a chance to make himself a national hero but he could not take it as his side-footed shot was telegraphed for Costa to make the save.
Pepe with a HUGE error! ❌
How did Benjamin Sesko not score? #BBCEuros #Euro2024 #PORSVN pic.twitter.com/6kaDkpmLsH
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 1, 2024
And with that, both sides’ opportunities passed and the game headed for penalties as a result of a monumental defensive effort by Slovenia across 120 minutes.
Penalties decide the tie
Portugal claimed the advantage as Costa saved Josep Ilicic’s spot-kick before Ronaldo, finally, beat Oblak from the spot.
It then continued to go their way as Costa spread himself to save another from Jure Balvocec, as Bruno Fernandes put them 2-0 up.
Costa wasn’t done there as he saved yet another from Benjamin Vrbic to put Portugal a goal away from the quarter-finals,
Bernardo Silva did the honours and coolly found the net, leaving Slovenia crestfallen and Portugal almightily relieved.
