In pain, Portugal managed to eliminate Slovenia at the end of a crazy penalty shootout (0-0, 3-0 pen) to find France in the quarter-finals. It will be a beautiful reunion between Mike Maignan and Rafael Leao.
Far from being supported by a pitch in a lamentable state, Portugal was held for a long time by Slovenia, tough and dangerous in rapid transition phases. However, they had opportunities with Ruben Dias (5′), Bruno Fernandes (13′) and Cristiano Ronaldo (34′) on free kicks. But solid in their own area, while the Seleçao lacked variety in their attacking play, the Slovenians gradually gained confidence to be able to project themselves. However, they were not far from being calmed before the first half. They would have been stunned if Palhinha had not seen his shot pushed back by Oblak on his left post (45+2′).
As the minutes ticked by in the second half, Slovenia ended up finding themselves in front of the opposing goal and Benjamin Seko was able to try his luck on the hour mark, without success. On the other hand, Jan Oblak saved an attempt by Cristiano Ronaldo (90′) in added time. Extra time, the first of Euro 2024, was spectacular with two unmissable goals on both sides. Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty, perfectly saved by the Slovenian goalkeeper, and burst into tears (105′) when Benjamin Sesko, taking advantage of a loss of the ball by Pepe in the skin of the last defender, came up against this devil of Diogo Costa (115′). A sensational save with the tip of his foot that allowed Portugal to stay alive. Taken into the penalty shootout, the Portuguese goalkeeper was immense, stopping the first three Slovenian attempts. It was thus, with forceps (3-0 on penalties), that Portugal went from tears of sadness to cries of joy.
Ready for a remake of the Euro 2016 final? Les Bleus will face the Seleçao this Friday, July 5 in Hamburg in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. This match will also be a great reunion between two former Dogues, between Rafael Leao and Mike Maignan who rubbed shoulders on the LOSC side.
Portugal, la composition : Costa – Cancelo (Semedo 117′), Dias, Pepe (Neves 118′), Mendes – Fernandes, Palhinha, Vitinha (Jota 65′) – Silva, Ronaldo, Leao (Conceicao 76′)
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