Cristiano Ronaldo at the Center of Penalty Drama as Portugal Secures Spot in Euro 2024 Quarterfinals with Win Over Slovenia
Portugal has progressed to the Euro 2024 quarterfinals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory against Slovenia on Monday, a match marked by Cristiano Ronaldo’s emotional rollercoaster after missing a crucial penalty in extra time.
Ronaldo’s penalty attempt was brilliantly saved by Jan Oblak, leaving the 39-year-old in tears. His teammates rallied around him as the second period of extra time began. During the shootout, Ronaldo redeemed himself by confidently converting Portugal’s first penalty. Meanwhile, Portugal’s goalkeeper, Diogo Costa, made history by saving all three of Slovenia’s penalty attempts, becoming the first keeper to achieve this feat in the European Championships.
Portugal displayed composure, converting all four of their penalties. Bernardo Silva sealed the victory by scoring the decisive fourth penalty.
Costa’s heroics weren’t limited to the shootout. In extra time, he denied Slovenia’s young star Benjamin Šeško, who had capitalized on a rare mistake by 41-year-old Pepe. Costa’s timely save prevented Šeško from scoring, pushing the match into penalties.
Portugal is set to face France on July 5.
A Night of Frustration and Triumph
Before Costa’s goalkeeping display, it seemed like it would be a frustrating night for Portugal and especially for Ronaldo, who entered the match goalless in Euro 2024. Despite several attempts, including headers and free-kicks, Ronaldo couldn’t find the net during regular time. His best chance came late in the match, but his left-footed shot went straight to Oblak.
As the game wore on, Ronaldo’s frustration grew. It peaked when Portugal was awarded a penalty at the end of the first extra-time period after Diogo Jota was fouled. Ronaldo, the designated penalty taker, stepped up but saw his effort saved by Oblak, who tipped the ball onto the post.
The miss left Ronaldo visibly distressed, and he was seen in tears as his teammates consoled him. However, the penalty shootout provided him a chance for redemption, and he didn’t miss. After scoring, he raised an apologetic hand to the Portugal fans.
Ronaldo, who has made history by becoming the first player to feature in six European Championships, has struggled to score in this tournament. His current goal drought in major international tournaments has extended to seven matches, a surprising statistic for the world’s top scorer with 130 goals.
Ronaldo’s European Championship journey began in 2004, and he led Portugal to victory in 2016. Despite his recent scoring struggles, Friday’s quarterfinal against France offers him a chance to set a new record as the oldest goalscorer in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s teammate Pepe made history by becoming the oldest player to appear in a knockout stage match in major tournaments, surpassing former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton.
As Portugal prepares to face France, all eyes will be on Ronaldo to see if he can break his goal drought and lead his team to another victory.
