Portugal v Slovenia LIVE: Result as Diogo Costa saves Cristiano Ronaldo’s blushes in Euro 2024 penalty shootout

Bernardo Silva struck the winning spot kick and Diogo Costa made three saves as Portugal won a penalty shootout 3-0 against battling Slovenia to reach the quarter-finals at Euro 2024 where they will meet France.

After a scoreless 90 minutes, Cristiano Ronaldo had a chance to put Portugal ahead from the penalty spot in the first half of extra time, but Jan Oblak saved brilliantly to leave the Portuguese captain in tears.

Neither side could fashion a goal and the game went to penalties, with Josep Ilicic having the first kick saved for the Slovenians before Ronaldo put his side ahead, and when Jure Balkovec’s spot kick was saved the writing was on the wall.

Costa then saved from Benjamin Verbic, setting Silva up to confidently slot home the winner to put Portugal through to the last eight and a meeting with the French in Hamburg on Friday.

Follow all the reaction from Portugal v Slovenia in Frankfurt below.

Euro 2024: Portugal v Slovenia

• PORTUGAL PROGRESS! Diogo Costa saves three Slovenia penalties to set up quarter-final with France

• PENALTIES! Portugal 0-0 Slovenia (a.e.t.)

• PENALTY SAVED! Cristiano Ronaldo denied from 12 yards by Jan Oblak (Portugal 0-0 Slovenia)

• EXTRA TIME: Portugal 0-0 Slovenia after 90 minutes as Cristiano Ronaldo frustrated

• Miss! Benjamin Sesko squanders huge opportunity (Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 61 minutes)

• HT: Portugal 0-0 Slovenia

• Close! Cristiano Ronaldo whistles a free kick over the crossbar (Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 34 mins)

• KICK OFF!

Portugal 3 - 0 Slovenia

The night Cristiano Ronaldo’s ego almost sent Portugal crashing out of Euro 2024

23:13 , Pete Hall at Frankfurt Arena

The Cristiano Ronaldo show rumbled into Frankfurt, and it didn’t disappoint. Well, unless you are a selfie-hunting, “siuuuu” screaming fanboy that is.

Portugal progressing via penalty shootout success over Slovenia to book a quarter-final date with France will be billed as a Ronaldo redemption story, but after a night where he did his utmost to make an entire match about himself, the veteran superstar frankly doesn’t deserve it.

Instead, Diogo Costa must embrace all the acclaim that should be coming his way, after three other-worldly saves in the shootout to send a below-par Portugal through.

The night Cristiano Ronaldo’s ego almost sent Portugal crashing out of Euro 2024

Portugal set up quarter-final against France

22:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

To confirm, Portugal will face France on Friday evening in Hamburg (8pm BST kick off).

PORTUGAL PIP SLOVENIA ON PENALTIES TO REACH THE LAST EIGHT!

22:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Dejection and devastation for Slovenia, who battled so hard, so smartly, so valiantly - but leave beaten and bruised. They had their chances, both in the shootout and beforehand, but they just couldn’t beat Diogo Costa, the first goalkeeper to save three penalties in a European Championship shootout.

PORTUGAL PIP SLOVENIA ON PENALTIES TO REACH THE LAST EIGHT!

22:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Cristiano Ronaldo’s tears of despair have been swapped for tears of joy. Diogo Costa is mobbed by his teammates, the Portugal goalkeeper saving all three Slovenia spot-kicks to take his side through to a quarter-final with France.

FULL TIME! Portugal 0-0 Slovenia (a.e.t - Portugal win 3-0 on penalties)

22:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

PORTUGAL ARE THROUGH!

22:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

BERNARDO SILVA SENDS JAN OBLAK THE WRONG WAY AND PORTUGAL HAVE DONE IT!

ANOTHER SAVE! (Portugal* 2-0 Slovenia)

22:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

BENJAMIN VERBIC’S PENALTY IS SAVED!

Portugal are one more conversion from 12 yards away from the quarter-finals...

BRUNO FERNANDES SCORES! (Portugal 2-0 Slovenia*)

22:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Rolled home with boastful ease! Slovenia have a mountain to climb.

SAVED AGAIN! (Portugal* 1-0 Slovenia)

22:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Diogo Costa has kept another out! Balkovec places it to the goalkeeper’s right but Costa is equal to it!

CRISTIANO RONALDO SCORES! (Portugal 1-0 Slovenia*)

22:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Never in doubt? Cristiano Ronaldo swaps sides and buries it.

Over to Jure Balkovec.

22:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Cristiano Ronaldo will take Portugal’s first penalty...

SAVED! Josip Ilicic misses (Portugal* 0-0 Slovenia)

22:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Diogo Costa leaps to his left and keeps it out!

Penalties...

22:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Cristiano Ronaldo tries to steady himself. He will surely take one, but when? Daniele Orsato brings him and Jan Oblak in for a chat and a toss of a coin.

Slovenia will take the first penalty. Josip Ilicic places the ball on the spot...

Penalties!

22:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Slovenia manager Matjaz Kek can only watched on, banished to the stands as Jan Oblak leads the team talk in his absence. What a performance from the captain, and, indeed, the entire side. They’ve given themselves a shot.

You’d make Portugal’s array of penalty-takers the favourites - but they’ve already missed one.

TO PENALTIES! Portugal 0-0 Slovenia (a.e.t.)

22:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 120 minutes

22:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

We’re approaching two hours of goalless football yet the audience is entirely enrapt. Slovenia concede a corner, but Benjamin Verbic makes an outstanding challenge on Francisco Conceicao after it is played short.

One more minute before spot kicks.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 117 minutes

22:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pepe lasts little longer. Ruben Neves is on for him, presumably with penalties in mind, and Nelson Semedo takes the place of Joao Cancelo.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 115 minutes

22:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

What a stop from Diogo Costa to save Portugal from disaster! Pepe makes a cataclysmic error, dallying on the ball and then losing it entirely, and Benjamin Sesko is in. It’s the kind of finish that the striker will have executed so many times in his life, slotting it low past an onrushing keeper, but Costa extends a limb to block it brilliantly!

What drama! And we’re far from done...

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 114 minutes

22:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ilicic skips inside Nuno Mendes and tries to send Zan Karnicnik onwards, but overhits his pass. Slovenia look the fresher side, though.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 112 minutes

22:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Josip Ilicic hits the wall. That would have been some story.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 111 minutes

22:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Amid the penalty drama, Slovenia manager Matjas Kek was sent off from the touchline.

But that’ll please him - Slovenia win a free kick within shooting range. Left of centre, 25 yards or so...

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 109 minutes

22:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jan Oblak is carrying his side ever closer to penalties. He and fellow captain Cristiano Ronaldo meet in mid-air, with the Portugal striker deemed to be the offending party.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 108 minutes

22:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That’s a clear booking, too, Jure Balkovec slamming the door on Joao Cancelo with the right back accelerating past him in the outside lane.

Can Bruno Fernandes find the right ball into the box? He can; tipped over the bar by Jan Oblak! Joao Palhinha steers a header from deep on goal but Oblak leaps to send it over the crossbar.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 107 minutes

22:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jaka Bijol is booked. The centre half will miss the quarter final should Slovenia get there.

Second half of extra time...

22:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Joao Palhinha drags Cristiano Ronaldo away to compose and console his captain. Portugal still have 15 minutes to find a winner but he may yet have to face Oblak from the spot again.

Slovenia introduce their own national icon. Josip Ilicic replaces Timi Elsnik.

HT in ET: Portugal 0-0 Slovenia

22:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Cristiano Ronaldo is bawling his eyes out, tears streaming down the face of the greatest male goalscorer in international football history. It really was some save from Jan Oblak.

HALF TIME IN EXTRA TIME: Portugal 0-0 Slovenia

22:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

SAVED! Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 105 minutes

22:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

JAN OBLAK KEEPS IT OUT! CRISTIANO RONALDO MISSES FROM THE PENALTY SPOT!

My oh my. Ronaldo’s search for a first goal at his fifth Euros goes on, his penalty crisply struck and corner bound but saved quite magnificently by the Slovenia captain. Can you believe it?

PENALTY TO PORTUGAL!

22:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

DOWN GOES DIOGO JOTA AND DANIELE ORSATO POINTS TO THE SPOT!

Is that the moment for Portugal? VAR will have a look but Orsato was certain, Jota driving between three Slovenia defenders and then felled by Vanja Drkusic. The contact is light, but not light enough to spare Drkusic, you’d say...

Cleared! It’s a spot kick. Cristiano Ronaldo, 12 yards...

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 102 minutes

22:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Roberto Martinez has still only used two of his substitutes. Goncalo Ramos? Joao Felix? There doesn’t seem to be any movement on the Portugal bench just yet.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 100 minutes

22:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jaka Bijol takes two hand slaps from Jan Oblak as the goalkeeper thanks his defender for his latest intervention with Cristiano Ronaldo lurking.

A corner. Portugal play it short before Francisco Conceicao stands one up for the far post. Diogo Jota shoulders it goalwards and it’s comfortable for Oblak.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 97 minutes

22:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Portuguese fans inside Deutsche Bank Park look on with anguished faces. This was not the night they were expecting, but all it takes is one chance.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 95 minutes

22:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Francisco Conceicao’s cross hits the knee of Jon Gorenc Stankovic; Bruno Fernandes’ looping follow-up arcs beyond Jan Oblak’s goal line.

Oblak launches the goal kick beyond halfway, and Benjamin Sesko gets his head to it. Joao Cancelo errs soon after to allow Benjamin Verbic an opportunity to drive at the rest of the defence, and Ruben Dias is forced to block his shot behind.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 93 minutes

22:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Nuno Mendes creates space for himself with a neat nip infield, but his attempted bend around Jaka Bijol isn’t quite curvaceous enough for Cristiano Ronaldo to capitalise.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 91 minutes

22:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Neither manager has made a change ahead of extra time, keeping a couple of cards back for later. Slovenia avoid a Slovakia, lasting the first minute of the additional period without a scare.

Extra time...

21:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The sprinklers are on in Frankfurt as the players make their way back into position, this bobbly surface wetted to try and slicken it up. Will the deadlock be broken or are we going the distance? Extra time is underway!

Extra time! Portugal 0-0 Slovenia

21:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Cristiano Ronaldo’s muscular calves get a rub down as the Portuguese players gather, re-steeling, re-jigging for the additional 30 minutes. Slovenia have been resolute, resilient and courageous — and one goal for either side may well be enough.

FULL TIME: Portugal 0-0 Slovenia

21:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 90 + 4 minutes

21:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

One last chance for Portugal in normal time. Cristiano Ronaldo’s backheel wins a corner off Vanja Drkusic.

In comes the delivery...headed away. Bonus football - we’re off to extra time in Frankfurt!

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 90 + 2 minutes

21:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Porugal win a corner which Bruno Fernandes swings in. Jan Oblak is bravely up above two Portuguese players to ensure there is no danger, earning a foul as he punches.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 90 minutes

21:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Four added minutes with extra time beckoning...

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 89 minutes

21:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Straight at Jan Oblak! It’s not Cristiano Ronaldo’s night, and it may not be his tournament, the striker sprung from an inside left position and clean through on goal. His left-footed effort is a bit toe-pokey, and clumps into the midriff of Slovenia’s captain, who covers it up with his gloves to make certain.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 88 minutes

21:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Up saunter Slovenia’s centre halves to contest a free kick on the right, but Pepe heads away, forcing a swift retreat. Slovenia are back in shape remarkably quickly.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 86 minutes

21:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Francisco Conceicao wags a finger at the referee but Daniele Orsato has got that spot on, the ball ricocheting back into the Portugal substitute’s legs before travelling behind.

Matjaz Kek makes his third change: the experienced Benjamin Verbic should offer more potency on the right wing than Petar Stojanovic, whose work going the other way has been impeccable.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 83 minutes

21:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jaka Bijol produces his latest crucial clearance, one of countless on the night from the centre half.

Portugal are playing virtually with a front five, right-back Joao Cancelo one of the quintet as they search desperately for a winner.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 80 minutes

21:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Slovenia have defended so, so well. Timi Elsnik has been pushed out to the left of midfield since Jan Mlakar’s removal and appears in a bit of bother as Joao Cancelo gets past him, but the Slovenian battles back to deny Cancelo even a chance to cross.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 77 minutes

21:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Conceicao leaps in vain to try and get his head to the cross with Zan Karnicnik keeping close hold of the newbie. It’s a little risky from the Slovenia right-back, his arms wrapped around the 21-year-old, but there’s not enough in it to prompt an intervention from VAR Massimiliano Irrati, not yet involved tonight.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 76 minutes

21:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Portugal answer with a change of their own. Francisco Conceicao has already popped up with one crucial goal at this tournament and replaces Rafael Leao, who faded after a bright start.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 74 minutes

21:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It just hasn’t happened for Portugal tonight. Joao Cancelo is again the architect of a chance, but he floats his cross too high for the vertically challenged Bernardo Silva.

A double switch for Slovenia. On come Jon Gorenc Stankovic and Zan Celar; off go Jan Mlakar and the ever willing Andraz Sporar, who mkes his last run of the night to the touchline.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 71 minutes

21:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Over the crossbar.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 70 minutes

21:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That will give Portugal a chance, though. Petar Stojanovic catches Nuno Mendes 30 yards out. This might be more to Cristiano Ronaldo’s liking with a bit of extra distance in which to swerve it.

Bernardo Silva is sent away. It will be Ronaldo to strike...

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 69 minutes

21:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Slovenia are looking likelier and likelier to nick one. Portugal just seem to have fatigued a little, taking a pause and allowing their opponents to seize the initiative somewhat.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 68 minutes

21:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Diogo Costa is off his line quickly to help out Pepe, beaten again by the pace of one of Slovenia’s forwards in behind. Andraz Sporar was a yard or two short of getting there.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 65 minutes

21:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Rafael Leao had a really lively first half but has been short of impact in the second so far, swallowed up by Zan Karnicnik here as the right-back forces him out of play.

A first alteration, and it’s Roberto Martinez to act. Diogo Jota replaces Vitinha.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 61 minutes

21:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

What a chance for Benjamin Sesko! The striker screams an expletive having burst away from a lumbering Pepe, bearing down on Diogo Costa’s goal. But Sesko just loses the run of the ball as it bobbles on this bumpy surface, allowing the defender to get back and force him slightly off balance. Sesko scuffs a left-footed shot away but it’s some distance off line, with Costa not even having to chance a dive.

Still, it’s an opportunity to further swell Slovenia’s growing belief.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 58 minutes

21:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A superb block from Jaka Bijol, heroically hurling himself in front of Palhinha’s cannonball. No way through!

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 56 minutes

21:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Slovenia are doing so well on the edge of the box. Again Joao Cancelo manufactures an opportunity having made inroads up the right, yet as first Vitinha and then Joao Palhinha ready to release a shot, they are met by an advancing white wall of committed blockers.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 55 minutes

21:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ronaldo hits the target, stinging the palms of Jan Oblak, whose feet remained fixed with the shot straight at him.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 54 minutes

21:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Joao Cancelo is Portugal’s most vibrant attacking threat so far in the half, the right-back fouled on the edge of the Slovenia box by Adam Gnezda Cerin. The selection committee gather as Portugal try to figure out who will take the free kick; in marches a despotic Cristiano Ronaldo to decide for them.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 52 minutes

21:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Petar Stojanovic and Cristiano Ronaldo have a coming together, each giving the other a bump and a biff. Referee Daniele Orsato restores order before it inflames any further.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 50 minutes

21:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Benjamin Sesko tries to thread Andraz Sporar through, but puts too much mustard on the pass, dragging his strike partner wide and allowing Portugal to regather. It would have mattered not, actually - Sporar had stepped beyond the Portuguese back four too soon and the flag belatedly goes up.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 49 minutes

21:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Some amateur acrobatics from Timi Elsnik, a high kick showing off some impressive flexibility as he contorts his left leg up by his shoulder in an attempt to hook the ball goalwards. Unfortunately, he can’t make quite enough contact.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 47 minutes

21:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wasteful from Bernardo Silva! Joao Cancelo shimmies and shakes by three Slovenia defenders and his cut back is half-cleared to the Manchester City midfielder. Silva eyes up the top corner but fails to hit the target from just inside the box.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 46 minutes

21:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

No half-time changes, if you were wondering.

Pepe toes the ball right into Joao Palhinha’s face, the midfielder rearing back and then asking for an apology, which the veteran defender sheepishly provides. No harm done, either to Palhinha’s schnozz or Portugal with Slovenia unable to capitalise on the miscommunication.

Second half...

21:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

They are back out there in Frankfurt. Can Slovenia hold firm for 45 minutes more? Off we go again.

HT: Portugal 0-0 Slovenia

20:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

France, of course, await the winner of this Round of 16 encounter - but a win over Belgium answered few of the lingering questions about Didier Deschamps’ men. Miguel Delaney was in Dusseldorf to make sense of it all:

The piece of luck that sent dour France past Belgium and into Euros quarter-finals

HT: Portugal 0-0 Slovenia

20:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A strangely entertaining game so far with the contrasting approaches providing an intriguing battle. Slovenia have defended smartly and strongly plus offered a threat on the counter attack, but Portugal have found ways of opening up a tightly-packed defence at times and will feel disappointed not to have converted one of their chances. Most of them have fallen to Cristiano Ronaldo, who has shown both a lack of sharpness and a degree of petulance as his search for his first goal at Euro 2024 goes on.

HALF TIME: Portugal 0-0 Slovenia

20:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 45 +2 minutes

20:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Off the post and away! So close for Joao Palhinha with the final kick before the interval, trimming a pleasant path across the grass from 20 yards. It flicks the woodwork and thuds into the advertising hoardings beyond.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 45 minutes

20:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jaka Bijol wins a near post header from a Slovenia corner, but can’t direct it on target.

Into two added minutes at the end of the half.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 44 minutes

20:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Andraz Sporar wins a header and finds Benjamin Sesko. The red sea of Portuguese shirts parts in front of the striker, urging him to drive for goal. Sesko obliges, but it’s straight at Diogo Costa, dropping to a knee as he accepts it into his bread basket even with a late swerve.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 42 minutes

20:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jaka Bijol has enjoyed a really strong tournament, the converted defensive midfielder now a centre half colossus. Cristiano Ronaldo has got zero joy out of the left-sided member of Slovenia’s central defensive pairing.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 40 minutes

20:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Slovenia win a corner which Adam Gnezda Cerin trots across to take, surprisingly playing it short. He gets it back but gets the cross all wrong, conceding a throw in some 25 yards further back from where he struck it.

Still, Slovenia will be reasonably pleased with half time approaching.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 38 minutes

20:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That’s a little bit greedy from Cristiano Ronaldo. A Zan Karnicnik handball on the right provides a free kick that looks perfectly placed for a cross into the box, and up the big blokes lumber to challenge for it. Ronaldo, though, selfishly shoots, and slices it wildly away.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 35 minutes

20:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Cristiano Ronaldo is furious. The chances are coming but he just isn’t quite converting them, his latest leap mistimed and nary any contact made on a floating cross ripe for picking. A cry to the skies and a scream at himself with Portugal still frustrated.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 34 minutes

20:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Over the crossbar! So close yet so far for Ronaldo, coming absolutely cantering on to the set piece and sending it sizzling to Jan Oblak’s side. The Slovenia keeper throws up a hand but is beaten; so, fortunately for Oblak, is his crossbar.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 32 minutes

20:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Now then. Vanja Drkusic lunges in on Rafael Leao just outside the Slovenia area. Referee Daniele Orsato goes to his pocket for a yellow card as Cristiano Ronaldo sets his sights...

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 31 minutes

20:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A quite magnificent pass from Nuno Mendes so nearly gives Bruno Fernandes a real chance, but the midfielder can’t quite get to grips with a dynamite diagonal, pulling it down though unable to shoot before Jaka Bijol steps in.

Portugal reload and Cristiano Ronaldo is granted a ball to attack. He beats Vanja Drkusic on this occasion, but a flick off the defender’s head makes the save simple for Jan Oblak.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 28 minutes

20:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This pitch is really cutting up, causing several players issues with their footing. Bruno Fernandes slips on the edge of the Slovenia box, though does manage to force a corner from the floor. It’s a poor ball in from Bernardo Silva, failing to beat the first man.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 27 minutes

20:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Vanja Drkusic is doing a good job guarding the skies, too. He again beats Cristiano Ronaldo in the air despite a slightly awkward looking leap.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 24 minutes

20:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Bruno Fernandes is being tracked diligently by Timi Elsnik, the midfielder communicating really effectively with his back four to pass Fernandes off when required. Slovenia seem to have found solidity in their structure again after that bright Portuguese spell a little earlier.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 22 minutes

20:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

In Andraz Sporar and Benjamin Sesko, Slovenia do possess two dangerous channel runners, though those behind aren’t quite getting their forward lofts right. A first attempt to free one of the strikers bounces all the way through to Diogo Costa, while a second is rather elegantly pulled down by Nuno Mendes having not quite been flighted enough.

Mendes is down again, though, this time tender in the hip area by the looks of things. No treatment required, but the left-back is rather in the wars.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 19 minutes

20:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A potentially sore one for Nuno Mendes, getting his ankle trapped beneath a sliding Peter Stojanovic as the Slovenia right midfielder takes the ball away. It appears that the full-back has escaped injury, though there’s a bit of a hobble as he trudges to the touchline.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 18 minutes

20:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A predictable pattern to the game, with Portugal dominating the ball and Slovenia trying to spring on the counter. Andraz Sporar is furious when a high boot from Vitinha is waved in the general vicinity of his forehead, but there’s no brush of studs on the Slovenia striker, whose theatrics are thus thoroughly uncalled for. Daniele Orsato tells him as much.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 16 minutes

20:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Cristiano Ronaldo hits the floor inside the Slovenia box, but Vanja Drkusic has got his defending spot on, enough of a nudge to knock the striker off balance as they contest in the air but not enough to prompt sanction from the referee.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 15 minutes

20:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Petar Stojanovic has played most of his club football at right-back in recent years, and that defensive acumen will be required tonight. He helps out Zan Karnicnik against Rafael Leao’s tricky feet, making a timely tackle.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 13 minutes

20:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Vitinha extricates himself from a huddle of three Slovenia shirts, keeping the momentum flowing. Bernardo Silva is used on the right and cuts in on his right boot, bending it towards the far post and between both Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes. Each of them fails to find a telling touch - but Portugal are pushing closer and closer.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 11 minutes

20:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Roberto Martinez gesticulates with his side, directing traffic on the touchline with Nuno Mendes and Rafael Leao taking on instructions. Joao Cancelo on the other flank is tucking in at times to try and create extra passing feet in midfield as Portugal begin to zip it about with real poise.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 8 minutes

20:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A rare poor touch in front of goal from Cristiano Ronaldo. Portugal inject tempo for the first time and Rafael Leao’s cute pass appears to have teed up the veteran striker. A heavy touch takes him too close to the retreating defence, and Jan Oblak is, in the end, not troubled by a shot with Ronaldo squeezed out.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 7 minutes

20:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Vanja Drkusic pushes up on to Bruno Fernandes, though clips the Manchester United midfielder’s heels as he tries to force a tackle. Portugal are thus able to load the box, but Vitinha overcooks his delivery and Pepe is unable to hook it back into play.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 5 minutes

20:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Fired wide by Ruben Dias! The corner comes all the way through to the centre half at the back stick, but a nasty kick off this sometime problematic Frankfurt surface sends the ball off its predicted path. Dias’ left-footed swing at it thus sends it several yards wide.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 3 minutes

20:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A bouncing ball is hacked forward by Nuno Mendes, and the left-back keeps on rumbling, haring after his own touch. The next one is untidier still, and Jan Oblak claims in comfort.

That’s more purposeful from Portugal, though, Bruno Fernandes producing a whipped delivery that Zan Karnicnik turns behind with Rafael Leao in close attention.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 2 minutes

20:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Benjamin Sesko barges into the back of Joao Palhinha, sending the midfielder thudding into the deck. Portugal find their passing flow for the first time, but Slovenia monitor their movements sharply.

Portugal 0-0 Slovenia, 1 minute

20:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Nothing obviously unexpected from either side as they feel their way into the contest, Slovenia settling in their 4-4-2, Portugal with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line and Bruno Fernandes in behind.

KICK OFF!

20:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Referee Daniele Orsato brings the whistle to his lips and we are underway in Frankfurt!

Portugal vs Slovenia

19:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Righty ho, here we go. Extra time and penalties are (of course) available if required, though you fancy this might be done in 90 minutes.

Portugal vs Slovenia

19:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Out the players come, Cristiano Ronaldo practicing a spring or two as he gets some energy into his legs. He and Pepe flank goalkeeper Diogo Costa at the end of the Portuguese line as the pair sing the national anthem for the 211th and 140th time respectively.

Slovenia, remember, are making their first apperance in the knockout stages of a major competition. Can they cause a shock?

Portugal vs Slovenia

19:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Kick off rapidly approaching in Frankfurt. It’s an Italian officiating team tonight led by referee Daniele Orsato, who will have VAR Massimiliano Irrati in his ear if required.

Portugal vs Slovenia

19:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s little surprise to see Portugal return to a back four, their defensive line looking slightly shaky both against the Czech Republic and Georgia when Roberto Martinez utilised three centre halves. You would expect them to dominate possession throughout tonight, and use those midfield lockpickers to try and work through Slovenia’s low block.

Portugal vs Slovenia

19:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

So France await the winner of tonight’s tie, a Frenchman still yet to score from open play at the tournament but Didier Deschamps’ side just about crawling on.

Portugal are big favourites, but that friendly win earlier in the year will give Slovenia belief. They’ve looked well organised so far at Euro 2024, while Benjamin Sesko is yet to produce the magic moments he is capable of. Is tonight the night the striker makes his mark?

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