Portugal vs Slovenia 3-0 on Penalties: Euro 2024 Last 16 – As It Happened

The Euro 2024 Round of 16 clash between Portugal and Slovenia was nothing short of a rollercoaster, culminating in a dramatic penalty shootout that saw Portugal emerge victorious with a 3-0 scoreline. Here’s a detailed account of the match, highlighting the pivotal moments, standout performances, and key statistics that defined this nail-biting encounter.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The anticipation for this match was palpable as both teams had shown formidable form in the group stages. Portugal, led by their talismanic captain Cristiano Ronaldo, had navigated a tough group to secure their place in the knockout stages. Slovenia, on the other hand, were the surprise package of the tournament, having performed admirably to reach the last 16.

First Half: Tactical Battle

The match kicked off with both teams displaying a cautious approach. Portugal, known for their attacking prowess, found it challenging to break down a well-organized Slovenian defense. Slovenia, aware of Portugal's attacking threats, focused on maintaining a solid defensive structure while looking for opportunities to counter-attack.

In the 25th minute, Portugal had their first clear chance when Bernardo Silva’s curling shot from the edge of the box was brilliantly saved by Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak. Slovenia responded with a swift counter-attack, but Josip Iličić’s effort was comfortably dealt with by Portugal’s Rui Patrício.

Second Half: Momentum Shifts

The second half began with a more aggressive approach from Portugal. The introduction of João Félix added a new dimension to their attack, and it almost paid off when his powerful shot rattled the crossbar in the 55th minute. Slovenia continued to hold their ground, with Oblak making several crucial saves to keep his team in the game.

As the clock ticked down, the tension mounted. Both teams had opportunities to score, but the defenses held firm. Portugal’s Ruben Dias was a rock at the back, thwarting several Slovenian attacks with crucial interceptions and clearances. Slovenia’s defensive resilience and Oblak’s heroics ensured that the match remained goalless, leading to extra time.

Extra Time: Stalemate Continues

Extra time saw both teams visibly fatigued, but the intensity remained high. Portugal continued to press for a winner, with Ronaldo coming close in the 98th minute, only to be denied by a last-ditch tackle from Miha Mevlja. Slovenia, too, had their moments, with Iličić’s header narrowly missing the target.

Despite the best efforts of both sides, neither team could find the back of the net, and the match headed to a penalty shootout.

Penalty Shootout: Portugal Prevails

The penalty shootout was a test of nerves, and Portugal held theirs admirably. Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up first and confidently dispatched his penalty, setting the tone for his team. Slovenia’s first penalty taker, Iličić, saw his effort saved by Rui Patrício, giving Portugal an early advantage.

Bruno Fernandes and João Félix both converted their penalties for Portugal, while Slovenia’s Jasmin Kurtić and Andraž Šporar missed their attempts, with Patrício making another crucial save. When Bernardo Silva scored Portugal’s third penalty, the outcome was sealed. Portugal triumphed 3-0 in the shootout, booking their place in the quarter-finals.

Key Performances

• Cristiano Ronaldo: The captain led by example, showing composure in the penalty shootout and continuously threatening the Slovenian defense throughout the match.
• Jan Oblak: Despite the loss, Oblak was outstanding, making several crucial saves during regular and extra time to keep Slovenia in the game.
• Ruben Dias: A rock at the back for Portugal, Dias was instrumental in keeping a clean sheet and making crucial interventions.

Match Statistics

• Possession: Portugal 60% - Slovenia 40%
• Shots: Portugal 18 (6 on target) - Slovenia 10 (3 on target)
• Corners: Portugal 8 - Slovenia 3
• Fouls: Portugal 12 - Slovenia 15

Portugal’s victory over Slovenia in the Euro 2024 Round of 16 was a testament to their resilience and quality. Despite a valiant effort from Slovenia, Portugal’s experience and composure in the penalty shootout saw them through to the quarter-finals. This match will be remembered for its high stakes, dramatic moments, and the exceptional performances from key players on both sides.

As Portugal advances, they will look to build on this hard-fought victory and continue their quest for European glory. For Slovenia, their journey ends here, but they leave the tournament with their heads held high, having proven themselves as worthy competitors on the European stage.