Opta Match Center provides all of the latest stats as Portugal and Slovenia meet in their Euro 2024 last 16 clash. Here you can find team and player statistics, expected goals data, passing networks and much more.
Cristiano Ronaldo made amends for his penalty miss, while Diogo Costa proved unbeatable as Portugal survived a scare from Slovenia on penalties. For detailed Portugal national football team vs Slovenia national football team stats, this match highlighted Ronaldo’s resilience and Costa’s heroics in goal, ensuring Portugal’s victory in a tense showdown.
Portugal
Portugal have the chance to reach the final of a major tournament for the first time ever after coming through a penalty shootout against Slovenia. The Selecao were held to just one shot during the shootout by an underdog team that maintained composure even under pressure and managed to win by one goal in first leg play. It marked Portugal’s first encounter ever playing under such pressure throughout a match; their composure came from adopting a tactical approach which kept them compact while restricting space for Slovenia and managing pace of play effectively throughout match play.
Portugal started their European Championship 1984 campaign off on an impressive note, finishing bottom of their qualifying group and coming through as European runners-up only through impressive performances in finals competition. They drew 1-1 with Denmark before defeating Turkey and Croatia before beating eventual runners-up Czech Republic thanks to Karel Poborsky’s second half lob over Vitor Baia. Unfortunately for Portugal they fell to eventual runners-up Czech Republic 1-0 in quarter finals play off.
Slovenia stunned everyone in their inaugural knockout matchup at any European championship with an astonishing display, holding Portugal to only one shot over 120 minutes of play. Their goalkeeper Aleksandar Costa played an essential role, making more saves in the penalty shootout (3) than he had during 120 minutes before that (two). Ronaldo sobbing uncontrollably after missing his penalty will forever remain one of the most iconic images from any UEFA Championship; it was an experience which humbled champions who had hopes to add yet another title win to add.
Goals
Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates weren’t exactly perfect, yet still managed to secure their opening win of UEFA Euro 2024 campaign. While they may have struggled during certain of their opening group matches, Slovenia showed they have what it takes to oust Cristiano Ronaldo and co. from pole position.
Even after conceding an early goal, Portugal never seemed to lose control in this match. Ronaldo connected better with his teammates during the second half while Mendes and Nelson Semedo had chances to put away the game for good. Andrej Kramaric nearly caused chaos late on with an attempt at an unlikely comeback; but his attempt slipped harmlessly past the post as Portugal secured three points.
In the next round, the Slovenians will prove a difficult foe, and their head-to-head record suggests this could be another tight contest that goes all the way down to the wire. With experience and depth on their side, however, 2016 UEFA Champions League winners should hold an advantage.
Portugal have won five out of their eight matches against Slovenia since 2014. Furthermore, they possess the best overall record against their Slovenian national football team among any nation in their pool.
Scoring Chances
Portugal had numerous chances to win the match but were foiled by an aggressive Slovenian defense.
Ronaldo had been one of the stars of Euro 2024 thus far, yet his penalty miss during extra time proved one of its most dramatic moments. Devastated, Ronaldo collapsed into his teammates’ arms before eventually being coaxed back onto the pitch for start of shootout.
Pepe made quick work of his penalty kick, using both physicality and skill to outwit Benjamin Sesko one-on-one. Costa then displayed why he is considered one of the world’s premier goalkeepers with impressive saves against Josip Ilicic, Jure Balkovec and Benjamin Verbic – not forgetting those from Josip Ilicic’s strike team Jure Balkovec and Verbic!
Cristiano Ronaldo’s free kick was well hit, yet he failed to capitalize. Later he rose up to meet Diogo Jota’s cross but could only direct it directly at Oblak.
As the game approached its final moments, there was a frenetic activity surrounding the penalty box which led to another award of Portugal a third spot kick after Vanja Drkusic fouled Jota. Ronaldo once more was denied by an incredible save from Oblak and became distraught until coaxed back onto the field by team officials before seeing his last effort saved by Oblak’s diving save; an eventful and engaging game came to a thrilling conclusion as Portugal advanced into the semi-finals, facing France next.
Goalkeepers
Last March, Slovenia stunned Portugal in a 2-0 win at Estadio da Luz and should now have every chance of spoiling Matjaz Kek’s party at Estadio da Luz.
Ronaldo may be Portugal’s star attraction, but this squad boasts plenty of depth. Youngsters such as Joao Cancelo, Diogo Dalot and Nuno Goncalves will all vie for spots. Furthermore, there is the option to field Emerson and Rafael Leao from RB Leipzig as wing-backs as replacements for injured Tiago Silva and Bernardo Silva.
Jan Oblak and Diogo Costa have made strong impressions so far; each made record-setting saves during a shootout to advance his team into the quarter-finals; Costa showed quick reactions by blocking Benjamin Sesko from making an extra time chance against them.
Both keepers are highly experienced and understand the game well, possessing match-winning qualities which could prove decisive against a stubborn Slovenian side.
Cards
Portugal are led by Roberto Martinez and boast one of the greatest attacking lineups in world football. However, they will face an uphill challenge against Slovenia who will make their knockout phase debut at an important tournament.
Portugal finished second in Group F after scoring wins against Iceland and Austria, but were ultimately defeated 2-0 by Hungary after an exciting match that led some domestic media critics to label them arrogant and dent their confidence that Portugal can advance further in the tournament.
However, Portugal still possess plenty of talent at their disposal. Cristiano Ronaldo will look to end his longest goalless run ever in major tournaments; having failed to find the net in any game so far. He hopes that Frankfurt may bring some breakthrough moments and playoff against Slovenia’s poor defence that has given up two goals thus far.
Benjamin Sesko came close for the Slovenians with a shot that flashed just wide of the post; nonetheless, their presence remains dangerous in the final third of play.
At present, there are no fresh injury concerns for Portugal in their game against Spain. Rafael Leao has finished serving his yellow card suspension and will be available to play. Furthermore, Joao Moutinho returns as central defender, giving their defensive line another boost. Their absences will still be felt; both are expected back for their respective positions when facing Spain next time around.
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