New Delhi: Portugal made it to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Euro 2024 by the barest of margins against Slovenia. In a thrilling and pulsating Round of 16 match, the Portuguese team edged out a spirited Slovenian team that had qualified for a major tournament in the history of their footballing history.
Portugal’s talisman and the man of the moment in tough situations, Cristiano Ronaldo had a remarkable moment in the dying moments of the first half of the extra time. However, the 39-year-old could not save himself from the prying eyes of Jan Oblak who has been steadfast at the goal throughout the game. Earlier in the game, Oblak had saved a freekick from Ronaldo in the 34th minute.
Oblak has prevented Ronaldo from converting his chances throughout the night. The ultimate meltdown happened when the Al-Nassr forward failed to convert his spot-kick in the extra time as Ronaldo was seen embroiled in a sea of emotion. Ronaldo had last missed a penalty back in 2022, naturally missing the spot kick gutted him more. However, Ronaldo redeemed himself as he converted the first shot in the penalty to give Portugal in the penalty shootout. The Selecaos eventually won the penalty shootout 3-0.
“That’s what football is. Moments, inexplicable moments.”: Ronaldo remarks in the post-match
In the on-field interview, Ronaldo was asked about the emotional upheaval that he was going through. The former Real Madrid star replied calmly, “Sadness at the start is joy at the end…That’s what football is. Moments, inexplicable moments.” Ronaldo is known for living in nervy moments. Likewise, this time also the Portuguese star lived in a tense nervy moment and managed to lead his team through the tense situation.
Portugal’s wall in Euro 2024!: Diogo Costa
Although all eyes were on Ronaldo, an unsung hero- Diogo Costa stepped up to shoulder the responsibility and make some important saves. Porto’s No. 1 goalkeeper kept his cool in the game to make important saves. First, Costa prevented a direct attempt from Benjamin Šeško owing to a missed pass from Pepe.
Next, he stepped up in the penalties to save 3 out of 3 penalties preventing Slovenia from scoring any. His remarkable match awareness and goalkeeping instincts earned him the match-winner award. Portugal’s next task will be to tame the French as they take on Mbappe and Co. in the quarterfinals.
