Portugal’s Euro 2024 clash with Slovenia was a dramatic, emotional encounter. Despite dominating possession (72%) and registering 20 shots, Portugal were unable to find a match-winning goal in 120 minutes. Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak produced several crucial saves during the game — including denying Cristiano Ronaldo from the spot in extra time — to force a shootout. In the penalty shootout, however, Portugal’s keeper Diogo Costa became the hero, saving three Slovenian spot-kicks in an extraordinary performance. Cristiano Ronaldo redeemed his earlier miss by scoring in the shootout, and Bernardo Silva converted the decisive penalty as Portugal won the shootout 3–0. Veteran centre-back Pepe, at 41, became the oldest player to appear in a European Championship knockout match. Portugal now progress to face France in the next round, carrying momentum from a resilient and unforgettable night. For the original match report, see Sportsmole (match analysis) here.
Portugal National Football Team vs Slovenia National Football Team — Timeline
| Minute | Event |
|---|---|
| Penalty Shootout | Bernardo Silva scores — Portugal win the shootout 3–0 |
| Verbič (Slovenia) — missed / saved | |
| Bruno Fernandes (Portugal) — missed / saved | |
| Balkovec (Slovenia) — missed / saved | |
| Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) — scored | |
| Iličić (Slovenia) — missed / saved | |
| End of Extra Time (2nd Half) | |
| +1′ | Rúben Neves on for Pepe |
| 118′ | Nélson Semedo on for João Cancelo |
| 111′ | Martínez booked |
| 107′ | João Cancelo booked |
| 107′ | Balkovec booked |
| 106′ | Bijol booked |
| 106′ | Iličić on for Elšnik (Slovenia) |
| 105’+1 | Kek booked (Slovenia manager) |
| End of Extra Time (1st Half) | |
| +1′ | Cristiano Ronaldo booked |
| 105′ | G. Stanković booked |
| Full Time | |
| +4′ | Verbič on for Stojanović (Slovenia) |
| 87′ | Francisco Conceição on for Rafael Leão |
| 76′ | Celar on for Šporar (Slovenia) |
| 74′ | G. Stanković on for Mlakar (Slovenia) |
| 74′ | Diogo Jota on for Vitinha |
| Half-Time | |
| +2′ | Karničnik booked |
| 37′ | Drkušić booked |
| 32′ | — |
Match statistics — Portugal vs Slovenia
| Stat | Portugal | Slovenia |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 72% | 28% |
| Total Shots | 20 | 10 |
| Shots on Target | 6 | 3 |
| Corners | 9 | 2 |
| Fouls Committed | 11 | 10 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 | 4 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Pass Accuracy | 89% | 77% |
| Offsides | 4 | 1 |
Key moments were defined by goalkeeping and composure under pressure: Jan Oblak’s saves kept Slovenia in the tie during 120 minutes, while Diogo Costa’s penalty heroics turned the tide for Portugal in the shootout. For background on the tournament and fixtures, see the UEFA Euro 2024 homepage here. To read more about Diogo Costa’s recent form and career, see his profile here, and for more on Jan Oblak’s achievements, see his profile here. Portugal’s next opponent will be France — more on Les Bleus and their Euro 2024 campaign is available here.
