The UEFA Euro 2024 was witness to a nail-biting encounter yesterday, July 1st, when Portugal edged past Slovenia 3-0 penalties in the round of 16. The Frankfurt Arena continued holding its collective breath through a match that remained scoreless at the end of regulation and extra time, being decided by the lottery that is the penalty shootout.

A Tight Affair From the Start

The match began with cautious optimism by both teams. Yes, Portugal had experience in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo and a decent midfield, which did result in dominance in possession. 

However, the Slovenes closed their defense rather well. So, in terms of output, although with some really spirited build-up play, there were no clear-cut chances in the first half for Portugal.

The 12th minute very nearly saw Portugal get off to a flyer. João Cancelo whipped in a dangerous cross that got past Cristiano Ronaldo’s head by inches. At the far post, Bruno Fernandes couldn’t connect with the looping ball. That really set the tone for the first half-an-hour or so, with Portugal probing but unable to fashion a finish.

A cynical foul by Slovenia’s Leo Štrakl on Bernardo Silva, exhausting a very promising attack for Portugal, had a yellow card in the 27th minute. If anything, not one to be deterred so easily, two minutes later it was Bernardo Silva who drove an effort in curling outside the box, seeing Jan Oblak dive nervously to this save in the Slovenian goal.

Second Half Frustrations and Extra Time Drama

The second half was a carbon copy of the first—much of the possession for Portugal but no final product. But Porto players were getting frustrated, and Skipper Rúben Dias saw a yellow card in the 63rd minute for a rash challenge on some great play by Benjamin Šeško. Indeed, the Slovenian star man had been a thorn in the side of Portugal all day with his ancillary pace and power.

The 78th minute saw the closest Portugal came to scoring, Rafael Leão blazing wide of goal after he had worked an opening in a one-on-one with Oblak. It summed up Portugal’s attacking return throughout the balance of the game.

Extra time was much like the state of both teams, bottlenecked in a desperate chase for a winner. In the 102nd minute, Cristiano Ronaldo had a golden opportunity when he rose highest to the very good cross from João Félix, but his header sailed agonizingly over the bar. Pepe saw yellow in the 111th minute for a clumsy challenge on Luka Zahović, a challenge epitomizing the rising tension on the pitch.

Penalty Heroics Decide the Winner in UEFA Euro 2024

Extra time had been played, and it finally boiled down to a penalty shootout as the clock went to zero. The hero turned out to be Portugal’s goalkeeper, Rui Patrício*, who made two vital saves from the spot kicks of Slovenia’s Jaka Bijol and Luka Zahović. João Félix, Bernardo Silva, and Bruno Fernandes all converted the penalties for Portugal to seal dramatic victory and a berth into the quarterfinals.

The win for Portugal underlined their fighting spirit in this Euro 2024 match , experience in dealing with pressure, not panicking even while failing to score from open play, as they won through the penalty shootout. 

There are queries, though, over their attacking efficiency. The fact that no goals came in the entire game is a worrying aspect as they progress into the later stages where opponents will be of an even higher caliber.

For that performance alone, Slovenia deserves immense credit. Organization was exemplary at the back, for they snuffed out a Portuguese attack opportunistic for much of the game. With Šeško’s attacking threat, and a fair share of team spirit, there was evidence to show that Slovenia will never back down against the giants of Europe in Euro 2024. Though defeat will sting, pride can be restored to their heads after this valiant effort.

What’s Next for Portugal and Slovenia in Euro 2024?

The quarterfinals see them face France, a replay of the Euro 2016 final. Another stern test is on the cards, with each team possessing some of the world’s finest. He will need Portugal to establish an attacking rhythm in such a potent French team.

It is the end of the road for Slovenia at Euro 2024. However, this competition has only given a platform for Slovenia’s young talent. They will look to build on this experience and aim for qualification in the next Euros.