Slovenians fall after penalties: Diego Costa's saves take Portugal further

(Patria) - The Portugal national football team qualified for the quarter-finals of the European Championship after defeating Slovenia on penalties tonight (0:0)

An incredible match was played tonight in Frankfurt between Portugal and Slovenia, and in the end, penalties decided the quarter-finalist.

Portugal dominated as expected from the first minute of the match. Robert Martinez's men sought an early goal, but Slovenia's defence looked truly phenomenal.

There were several dangerous situations in front of Jan Oblak's goal in the first half. Cristiano Ronaldo tried first, but there was no precision, which greatly frustrated the legendary striker.

Slovenia waited for their chance on the counter-attack. At the end of the first half, they had two opportunities, but first Šeško's shot was saved by Costa, and then Elšnik reacted poorly on the second attempt, posing no danger to Portugal.

The first half ended with a long-range effort from Palhinha. The post was hit, and the teams went to the break without goals (0:0).

The same picture continued on the pitch in the second half. Portugal dominated, while Slovenia waited for a counter-attacking chance.

Ronaldo threatened once more from a free kick, but the Portuguese could not break through Slovenia's incredible defence, which looked impenetrable.

At one point, Šeško almost gave Slovenia the lead. He got away from Pepe, but ran out of steam for the final shot, and a huge chance was wasted.

Portugal tried with all their might to score. In the 89th minute, Ronaldo found himself in a phenomenal chance, coming face to face with Oblak, but the Slovenian goalkeeper made a miraculous save, sending the match into extra time.

The same pattern of play was seen in extra time. Portugal were attacking, Slovenia defended with all their might, and in the 105th minute, a big chance came for the Portuguese.

After a duel between Jota and Drkušić in the penalty area, Daniele Orsato pointed to the spot. Cristiano Ronaldo took responsibility, but the unreal Jan Oblak saved his shot. CR cried immediately.

In the 115th minute of extra time, Slovenia probably missed their chance for the quarter-finals. Pepe made a mistake, Šeško went one-on-one with Costa, and then came the shock. He failed to score, leaving Slovenia's fans heartbroken.

In the end, the ticket among the eight best European teams was decided by penalties. There, Diego Costa saved three penalties from the Slovenians, and Portugal advances.

(sportsport.ba)