It was a hard-fought goalless draw at full-time, 0-0. Especially in the 105th minute when Ronaldo missed a penalty kick opportunity, Slovenia goalkeeper Oblak made a brilliant save and Cristiano Ronaldo broke down in tears. But then he scored a goal in the penalty shootout and turned the tears into a moment of laughter.
In the penalty shootout, Portugal goalkeeper Diego Costa saved shots from Slovenia players Jozef Ilicic, Juror Balkovec, and Benjamin Verbig as Portugal won 3–0 and advanced to the Euro quarterfinals. In the quarter-finals, Portugal will meet France, who beat Belgium 1-0 yesterday.
John Ablock made a brilliant save from Ronaldo’s penalty kick at full-time as Ronaldo broke down in tears and had to be picked off by Portugal. It must be said that it was Portugal’s luck that the Slovenia team was about to give Portugal a big shock and were prevented from scoring.
Cristiano Ronaldo has taken 60 free kicks in major international football tournaments. However, statistics say that he has scored only once.
Ronaldo appealed for a penalty in the 8th minute. The Slovenia player appealed the way he was tackled inside the box. But, to no avail. Then Ronaldo made a penalty appeal in the 16th minute. However, the referee denied that it was not perfect.
A free kick was awarded in the 31st minute. But Ronaldo’s shot went wide just inches above the goal post. In the 36th minute, Silva’s cross went wide of Ronaldo’s head. Ronaldo got another free kick opportunity in the 39th minute. But, that too could not be converted into a goal.
A free kick in the 55th minute didn’t actually turn into a goal as Ronaldo’s shot went straight into the arm of goalkeeper John Ablock. In the 72nd minute, Ronaldo scored another free kick in front of the fans. This is also wasted. In the 89th minute, Ronaldo again hit Slovenia goalkeeper Oblak straight in the hand.
In the 105th minute, Ronaldo’s penalty kick was blocked by Ablock, tears and cries. But Ronaldo, who did not recover from the first slip, converted this time into a goal during the penalty shootout.
Cristiano Ronaldo would have been responsible for Portugal’s defeat and elimination if Portugal goalkeeper Costa had not only saved Slovenia’s Cesko’s shot at full-time.
When Ronaldo said after the match, ‘At first it was sad then happy’. Portugal goalkeeper Diego Costa said, ‘It was the best match of my life for me.’ But it was a heart breaking moment for the Slovenia team and the fans of the country who gave a great fight.
