Euro 2024: Portugal advances to face France after Diogo Costa’s valiant save of Cristiano Ronaldo’s missed penalty

As Portugal defeated Slovenia on penalties to secure a quarterfinal matchup with France in Euro 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo’s emotions turned to happiness.

Portugal defeated Slovenia in a thrilling penalty shootout at the Frankfurt Arena, earning a ticket in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals. Thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Diogo Costa, Portugal won the match 3-0 on penalties after it ended goalless after extra time.

Throughout the game, Cristiano Ronaldo went through a rollercoaster of emotions. The Portuguese skipper was in tears when Jan Oblak of Atletico Madrid saved his penalty in extra time. Ronaldo, though, made up for it by scoring Portugal’s first penalty during the shootout.

The highlight of the game was Diogo Costa, who turned aside the three penalty kick attempts from Benjamin Verbic, Jure Balkovec, and Josip Ilicic of Slovenia. Portugal advanced to the quarterfinals, where they will play France in Hamburg, thanks to a winning spot kick from Bernardo Silva.

Portugal controlled possession for the majority of the game, possessing the ball for 73% of it and making 20 shots against Slovenia’s 10. They had complete control over the game, but they were unable to penetrate Slovenia’s defense, and the 120 minutes went without a goal.

Joao Palhinha nearly scored for Portugal, striking the crossbar, and Benjamin Sesko of Slovenia squandered a fantastic chance in the last seconds of extra time. Costa’s saves proved to be the difference in the penalty shootout, which ultimately determined the result.

Portugal’s next test will come in an intriguing quarterfinal matchup against France, a strong opponent.