Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa emerged as the hero after a tense penalty shootout against Slovenia. Ronaldo, aiming to be the savior, uncharacteristically missed a penalty in extra time. However, Diogo Costa stepped up, denying all three Slovenian spot-kicks to send Portugal into the quarterfinals.
Slovenia, the underdog, surprised everyone. They held Portugal scoreless for 120 minutes and almost snatched victory through Benjamin Sesko.
Ronaldo, struggling with his free-kicks, had the chance to win it in extra time but was denied by a brilliant save from Jan Oblak.
Sesko also missed a golden opportunity after Pepe’s slip, only to be thwarted by a superb block from Diogo Costa.
The drama continued in the penalty shootout. Ronaldo redeemed himself by converting his spot-kick, Diogo Costa became the star, saving three consecutive penalties, paving way for Bernado Silva to secure the win and set up a mouthwatering quarter-final clash against France in Hamburg.
Portugal dominated possession but struggled to find a breakthrough. Rafael Leao’s promising run was halted by a cynical tackle, but Ronaldo’s resulting free-kick sailed over the bar. Other attempts from Palhinha and Ronaldo himself also went narrowly wide.
Slovenia, underdogs who defied odds by reaching the knockout stages for the first time, remained resolute. They had held England to a goalless draw in the group stage and were determined to repeat the feat. A chance for them came when Sesko broke free, but Pepe’s experience proved invaluable as he forced the striker wide.
Portugal continued to press. Substitute Diogo Jota found Ronaldo late in the game, but his shot was saved by the impressive Jan Oblak.
As frustration mounted, Portugal were awarded a crucial penalty in extra time after Jota was brought down by Drkusic. Ronaldo stepped up to take a penalty, a chance to be the hero. But in a shocking twist, Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak made a phenomenal save, pushing the ball onto the post.
Tears welled up in Ronaldo’s eyes as his teammates consoled him. Meanwhile, Slovenia’s coach received a red card and watched the rest of the tense match from the stands.
Disaster almost struck again for Portugal when Pepe slipped, allowing Sesko a clear shot on goal. But Diogo Costa displayed incredible reflexes, spreading himself and making a save with his leg.
The match went on to penalty shootout. Diogo Costa emerged as Portugal’s savior, denying Josip Ilicic’s first attempt.
Ronaldo, this time composed, converted his penalty to the opposite corner. With nerves jangling, Diogo Costa made another save to deny Jure Balkovec. Bruno Fernandes calmly slotted his penalty, putting Portugal in a strong position.
Diogo Costa completed his heroic performance with a third save against Benjamin Verbic, leaving Bernardo Silva the chance to seal the win.
Silva coolly converted the penalty, sparking wild celebrations amongst the Portuguese players, with a tearful Ronaldo finally able to smile.
