EURO 2024 round of 16 fixtures Result: Portugal 0-0 Slovenia
EURO 2024 round of 16 fixtures Result: Portugal 0-0 Slovenia
Portugal advanced to the quarterfinals thanks to the goalkeeper’s three saves on penalties during the shootout.
Rafael Leão and Rúben Dias both had early chances that went close as Portugal got off to a fast start. Another opportunity presented itself for Roberto Martínez’s team, but Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to connect with Bernardo Silva’s cross.
Slovenia gained momentum and became more competitive, but the Seleção continued to pose a greater threat. Ronaldo’s header was stopped by Jan Oblak, and a few seconds later, the captain of Portugal came within a hair’s breadth of a goal when his free kick zipped past.
As halftime drew near, João Palhinha at the opposite end struck the post with a sloppy effort, while Benjamin Šeško fired Slovenia’s first angry shot.
João Cancelo had a fantastic run to start the second half, but Bernardo Silva missed the mark from an excellent position. Oblak stopped Ronaldo’s strong free kick once more. Ronaldo is 39 years old.
Then, Šeško created Slovenia’s finest opportunity to far, beating Pepe but failing to connect well with the ball when facing Diogo Costa one-on-one. Extra time was approaching; Ronaldo had a chance to stop it, but Oblak saved his team again.
For the next thirty minutes, the game stayed in a delicate balance. Diogo Jota had a fantastic solo run which resulted in Portugal being awarded a penalty. But Oblak saved the day by directing Ronaldo’s attempt onto the post. Then, Šeško may have won it for Matjaž Kek’s team, which was still unbeaten, but he was stopped from a shot by Diogo Costa by himself.
Penalties were the result. The first three Slovenian efforts were saved by Diogo Costa. With goals from Ronaldo, Bruno Fernando, and Bernardo Silva, Portugal advanced to the quarterfinals.
Important statistics
- Diogo Costa of Portugal became the first goalie in a UEFA European Championship penalty shootout to save three penalties. In a EURO shootout, he is the first goalie to remain undefeated.
- Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest player to score a penalty in a EURO shootout at the age of 39 years and 147 days.
- This was Cristiano Ronaldo’s 12th participation in a European Cup knockout stage, making him the only player with more than ten. Leonardo Bonucci, a former Italy defender, is the player in second position with nine points.
- More than any other team, Portugal has advanced to the UEFA European Championship quarterfinals seven times.
- Portugal had lost to Belgium in EURO 2020 and won (aet) against Croatia in their previous two EURO round of 16 matches.
- Never previously have Portugal failed to score in back-to-back EURO games.
- Portugal has needed extra time in five of their last seven EURO quarterfinal matches.
- The sole prior encounter between these sides occurred in March during a friendly match in Ljubljana, when Slovenia emerged victorious 2-0.
- This was the first-ever competitive penalty shootout in Slovenian history.
- Slovenia made its first participation in the EURO knockout stages after losing in the group stage of their 2000 tournament debut.
- Slovenia’s past five EURO games have all ended in draws.
- In their past 10 international matches, Slovenia has not lost (W4 D6).
- In their previous eighteen competitive games, Slovenia has only lost twice (W8 D8).
- In just one of their previous 10 international matches, Slovenia has allowed more than one goal to be scored.