Euro 2024: Redemption for tearful Ronaldo as Portugal beat Slovenia on penalties; France progress with slim win over Belgium
Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty was saved in extra time but Portugal still progressed to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 following a dramatic shootout victory over Slovenia.
Portugal’s superstar captain had been in tears after his penalty was kept out by Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak and he was consoled by his team-mates, as fans chanted his name in the stands.
But he recovered to score his country’s first penalty in the shootout – where goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved all three kicks he faced – before Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva netted the winning kick.
Ronaldo was involved in the thick of it throughout the night as he searched for his first goal at Euro 2024.
Before his penalty was tipped on to the post, he wasted a golden opportunity in the final minute of normal time, drilling his shot straight at Oblak, having seen countless crosses fly over his head throughout 120 minutes of blockbuster action.
Eventually, Portugal’s persistence paid off as Slovenia crumbled in the shootout and Costa’s heroics ensured Ronaldo’s Euro dream continues.
Portugal had dominated large periods and should have led in the first half when Joao Palhinha struck the post.
Slovenia, who defended with grit and resilience, had chances of their own and will regret Benjamin Sesko’s wasted chance when through one-on-one with Portugal goalkeeper Costa in the final minutes of extra time.
A late own goal by Jan Vertonghen sent France into the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 at Belgium’s expense.
A game that had lacked quality and excitement for large periods looked destined for extra time, but a shot by substitute Randal Kolo Muani deflected off Vertonghen with five minutes remaining to seal the victory at Dusseldorf Arena.
France had missed several chances before that as once again their lack of a cutting edge let them down, and even captain Kylian Mbappe put efforts he would normally finish wide.
Belgium could even have taken the lead themselves before France’s late goal as Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne charged into space through the middle, but his shot was pushed behind by Mike Maignan.
That had been the below-par Belgians only decent opportunity as France closed out the final few minutes to progress to the last eight, where they will face Portugal.
