Thankfully, the show did not turn out to be a heartbreak for Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal. After 120 minutes of stalemate and a missed penalty by Ronaldo, the heroics of Diogo Costa saved the blushes for Portugal.
Ronaldo made amends for failing to score his spot kick in extra time, which was saved magnificently by Jan Oblak.
Ronaldo blubbered uncontrollably after the first but the second time around he took another nd coolly dispatched his spot kick into the opposite corner to his earlier effort, before clasping his hands together to make a praying gesture and holding up his palms to say sorry to the curve of Portugal supporters going ballistic behind the goal.
Diogo Costa - the undoubted hero, made three extraordinary saves, the last of which thwarted Benjamin Verbic down to his right, before Bernardo Silva sealed a 3-0 win on penalties.
Even Ronaldo seemed a tad remorseful as Slovenia, whose steely resistance was broken in the cruellest of manners, came up short from 12 yards. They had exhibited a defensive masterclass against slicker opposition who registered more than twice as many passes and double the touches.
Ronaldo had extended his lean streak during normal and extra time – now, it is eight appearances at a major tournament without a goal – but he was unperturbed when it was about putting the ball down in the shootout.
Three free-kicks came and went, one which forced Oblak into a save, but Slovenia, who spent much of the game with all 10 outfield players behind the ball, were stubborn, fiercely disciplined and awkward opposition.
But Portugal prevailed.
On the pitch, Ronaldo was crying while in the gallery, his mother shed tears.
Portugal will meet France in the quarterfinals.
Note;: Excerpts from The Guardian
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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