Portugal set up a quarter-final against France with a penalty shootout win over Slovenia. Cristiano Ronaldo in tears after missing a penalty in extra-time but converts his effort in the shootout as Diogo Costa makes three saves.
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| Image: Ronaldo was supported by his team-mates after missing his penalty Cristiano Ronaldo went from tears to joy as Portugal beat Slovakia |
Cristiano Ronaldo went from tears to joy as Portugal beat Slovakia
Cristiano Ronaldo's tears turned into elation as Portugal beat Slovenia on penalties to reach a Euro 2024 quarter-final against France despite the 39-year-old's missed spot-kick in extra-time.
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A sobbing Ronaldo had to be consoled by team-mates after Jan Oblak brilliantly saved his penalty in the 105th minute but, following a gruelling goalless draw, he converted Portugal's first effort in the shootout as goalkeeper Diogo Costa made saves from Josip Ilicic, Jure Balkovec and Benjamin Verbic to send them through.
Diogo Costa's heroics allowed Bernardo Silva to convert the winning kick after Bruno Fernandes had also scored, and came after a similarly crucial one-on-one save from Benjamin Sesko deep in extra-time as Slovenia came agonisingly close to an historic upset.
Predictably, though, it was Ronaldo who dominated the encounter. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward was on a mission to open his account at Euro 2024 having blanked in the group stage and cut an emotionally-charged figure from the start.
His efforts on goal over the course of the 120 minutes, including four unsuccessful free-kicks, all prompted animated reactions but his anger was replaced by devastation after Oblak denied him from the spot shortly before the halfway point of extra-time.
Ronaldo's free-kick woes
Cristiano Ronaldo has attempted 60 shots from free-kicks at major tournaments for Portugal and only scored once.
Oblak had also saved from Ronaldo in the 89th minute and the goalkeeper was not the only Slovenia player who shone as the underdogs kept Roberto Martinez's star-studded side at bay for long periods, demonstrating defensive doggedness and occasional flashes of attacking threat at the other end.
Portugal hero Costa makes history:
Diogo Costa is the first goalkeeper in history to save three penalties in a shootout in a European Championship tie.
For Portugal, it was left to Costa to ensure Ronaldo's redemption, the Porto goalkeeper following up his vital save from Sesko with a hat-trick of stops in the shootout to set up a last-eight tie which will pit Ronaldo against Kylian Mbappe in Hamburg on Friday night.
Cristiano Ronaldo said: "Even the strongest people have their [bad] days. I was at rock bottom when the team needed me the most.
"Sadness at the start is joy at the end. That's what football is. Moments, inexplicable moments.
"A penalty to give the team the lead. I didn't manage it. Oblak made a good save. I have to see the penalty, I don't know if I shot well or badly, but I haven't missed once all year, and when I needed it most, Oblak saved it.
"I think Portugal deserved it because we had more authority. Slovenia spent almost the entire game defending. It's very difficult and the whole team is to be congratulated, especially our goalkeeper, who made three very good saves."
He added: "Portugal was always on top of it, pressing hard, but for one reason or another, didn't score.
"The pitch wasn't great, it was very tough but I'd say all things considered, we were better. We deservedly reached the quarter-finals.
"We're still very excited, we want to enjoy our game, give the fans some joy and happiness and this is our life. This is how we live."
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez said:
"First and foremost I think he is a constant example for us, the only player that has ever played in six European Championships.
"He is happy taking that responsibility and has got that belief. Those emotions are incredible for someone who has won everything. He doesn't need to care that much.
"I thanked him [afterwards] for being the way he is, for caring for the group. I was certain that he would be the first penalty taker and show us the way to take victory."
Penalty hero Costa: The best game of my life
Diogo Costa said: "This is probably the best game of my life.
"I am focused on doing what I had to do. I went with my gut feeling. Of course, we had analysed the penalty-takers, but players change and they change how they shoot.
"It's tremendous emotion. This was a tough match. We knew what they were going to do and they did it perfectly.
"I had to be very focused throughout the game. I had to wait for the best opportunity to help the team and that is what I was focused on. It was a very tough match. Goalkeepers sometimes barely touch the ball, but this was worth it.
"I get strength from my family, they are my bedrock. My family, a lot of work and a lot of devotion. Whatever comes, we will be ready. A team like ours must be ready to face anything and we will do it."
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