Euro 2024: Diogo Costa Saves Slovenia Spot Kicks To Lead Portugal To Quarterfinals

 

Portugal have managed to secure their place in the quarterfinals of the Championship after outlasting Slovenia on penalties (3-0) following goalless draw through the full course of the game and the extra-time. 

Diogo Costa saved the first three penalties taking by the Slovenians while Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes had scored theirs before Bernando Silva wrapped the victory up with his to lead Portugal through. 

Cristiano Ronaldo had a moment to put Portugal ahead from a penalty near stoppage time but his spot kick was saved by Jan Oblak. Likewise, in the second period of the extra-time, Benjamin Sesko had a fast break moment from Pepe's defensive error and Costa saved his shot. 

Playing in the Last 16 was the farthest Slovenia have gone in a major tournament. For Portugal, they will be participating in the quarterfinals for the seventh consecutive time in the UEFA European championship. 

Overview 

Great discipline from the Slovenians in terms of defence while they intended to loosen their opponents' progression on the counter. That as well was not forthcoming for the Slovenians as Pepe remained as the defensive stronghold for the Portuguese side at the back. 

In every way, Portugal have done every thing they could right at the front. With Ronaldo on the pitch, set pieces are moments they had near misses.  Good goalkeeping from Costa was the startling moment of the game. Besides saving Sesko's goal attempt following Pepe's erroneous pass back, he saved all the three penalties of the Slovenian side.