Portugal vs Slovenia – July 2, 2024 | In an exhilarating clash at UEFA EURO 2024, Portugal triumphed over Slovenia through penalties following a goalless draw after extra time. Playing the round of 16 in Frankfurt, the match Portugal vs Slovenia concluded with Portugal setting up a quarter-final face-off with France. A standout performance by Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who saved all three Slovenian penalties, sealed the victory.
Match Summary | Portugal vs Slovenia
- Date: July 2, 2024
- Result: Portugal won 3-0 on penalties after a goalless draw in regular time.
Match Statistics
Portugal
- Yellow Cards: 1
- Total Shots: 16
- Shots On Target: 6
- Ball Possession: 68%
- Corner Kicks: 11
Slovenia
- Yellow Cards: 5
- Total Shots: 9
- Shots On Target: 3
- Ball Possession: 32%
- Corner Kicks: 4
Team Line-ups
Portugal (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
- Defenders: Cancelo, Pepe, Dias, Mendes
- Midfielders: Vitinha, Palhinha, B. Silva, Fernandes, Leao
- Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo
Slovenia (4-4-2):
- Goalkeeper: Oblak
- Defenders: Karnicnik, Drkusic, Bijol, Balkovec
- Midfielders: Stojanovic, Elsnik, Gnezda Cerin, Mlakar
- Forwards: Sporar, Sesko
Key Events
- Portugal dominated possession with 68% of the ball.
- Slovenia put up a strong defensive performance, frustrating Portugal’s attacking efforts.
- The match remained goalless throughout regular time and extra time.
- In the penalty shootout, Portugal emerged victorious, with Bernardo Silva converting the winning spot kick and goalkeeper Diogo Costa making three crucial saves.
Match Highlights | Portugal vs Slovenia
The game was intense right from the start with Portugal asserting early dominance. Opportunities arose for Rafael Leão and Rúben Dias, though the opening goal eluded them. Cristiano Ronaldo was particularly active, presenting multiple threats, yet was foiled by Slovenia’s stalwart, Jan Oblak, including a dramatic penalty save in extra time.
The Slovenian team showed resilience, with Benjamin Šeško forcing an exceptional one-on-one save from Diogo Costa in the latter stages. As the match extended into penalties, it was Costa’s heroics that truly shone, ensuring a Portuguese victory in a gripping shootout.
Hero of the Match: Diogo Costa
Diogo Costa, the impenetrable force between the posts, was rightly named the Vivo Player of the Match. Not only did he stave off three penalties, but his crucial extra-time save against Šeško was pivotal. His performance exemplified the concentration and skill required in top-tier matches, marking him as a key player in his team’s success.
Tactical Analysis | Portugal vs Slovenia
Throughout the game, Portugal demonstrated superior attacking strategies but found themselves repeatedly thwarted by Slovenia’s tight defensive setup led by Jan Oblak. Ronaldo’s experience and agility were significant, yet the Slovenians managed to keep him and his teammates at bay, pushing the game to a tense penalty shootout.
Historical Context
This victory allowed Portugal to reach the UEFA European Championship quarter-finals for the seventh time, the most appearances by any team at this stage. Notably:
- Diogo Costa became the first goalkeeper to save three penalties in a EURO championship shootout.
- At 39, Cristiano Ronaldo set a new record as the oldest player to score in a EURO shootout.
- Ronaldo has now appeared in more EURO knockout games than any other player, marking his 12th appearance.
Upcoming Clashes
Looking forward, Portugal vs France in the quarter-finals promises to be another thrilling encounter. Portugal’s blend of seasoned players like Ronaldo and rising stars like Diogo Costa formulates a formidable squad.
Conclusion | Portugal vs Slovenia
The Portugal vs Slovenia match will be remembered for its intense gameplay, thrilling penalty shootout, and outstanding individual performances. As Portugal progresses in the tournament, their blend of tactical brilliance and individual skill makes them one of the teams to watch. Slovenia, although bowing out, showed commendable skill and team spirit, ensuring their journey to the knockout stage was historic in its own right.
