Portugal engaged against Slovenia in an intriguing round of 16 games. Roberto Martinez rearranged his lineup after a disappointing 2-0 loss in their last group game. Although they had already made it to the round of 16 despite the loss to Georgia.
He had brought back his midfield combination of Bruno Fernandes, Vintinha, and Bernardo Silva. He also had Joao Pahlinha hold the defensive midfield spot. His frontline was led by their Skipper Cristiano Ronaldo and AC Milan star Raphael Leao.
Slovenia Coach Matjaž Kek had started the same lineup he used against England except for Janza who was replaced by Balkovec. Nonetheless, Slovenia maintained their usual Defensive shape. Hoping to hurt Portugal on the counter.
Portugal Edges Slovenia: First Half
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Portugal started the first half in Frankfurt, with intensity. However, they couldn’t grind out many chances. Neither was Slovenia was able to do the same. Matjaž Kek’s defense looked to be prevailing.
As time went by Roberto Martinez’s men kept struggling to produce the final passes needed to create a goal-scoring chance. Ronaldo stayed subtly in the box hoping for a clean chance for him. Moreover, his teammates had a hard time finding him out. Even though they would have hoped for it.
The Al Nassr star had a chance with a header, but Oblak caught it comfortably. However, he might have felt he should have done better with the header, with Oblak saving the ball conveniently.
Soon a chance came for Palhinha. He lands on the edge of the box. The Fulham star then struck a low powerful shot. The result hit the post. This was the best chance of the game so far. Portugal kept on finding a way around the Slovenian defense.
The first half ended goalless.
Second Half and Extra Time
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Portugal continued to search for a crucial goal. However, Jan Oblak and the Slovenian defense stood their ground solidly.
Portugal became desperate, as they committed more players forward. Moreover, Slovenia soon caught them off guard. A quick break from them saw Benjamin Sesko beat Pepe, before facing a one-on-one against Rui Costa. However, the 21-year-old star failed to find the net. He placed the shot wide off the post.
Roberto Martinez ignored all the backline vulnerabilities. He brought in Diogo Jota in place of Vintinha whose role was in the midfield. This allowed Bernardo Silva to drop deep.
Portugal kept trying but it was to no avail. Soon it was Extra Time.
In Extra Time Portugal could have broken the deadlock. Jota danced into the box and was fouled by Drkusic. Portugal were handed a penalty. Unfortunately, their Skipper Ronaldo missed, and this broke the heart of the Portuguese.
The game became more and more frustrating for Portugal. Sesko soon dispossessed Pepe, putting him through on goal against Rui Costa. But the Leipzig star failed to beat the Portuguese keeper. Costa had his leg deny Slovenia the winner.
Penalties came and Portugal was finally able to outshine Slovenia. Ronaldo redeemed himself by scoring in the shootouts. Whilst Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva scored theirs, all Slovenia players failed to score theirs.
Portugal won 3-0 on penalties.
Martinez on Ronaldo’s impact on the game
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Coach Roberto Martinez after the game said:
He is happy taking that responsibility and has got that belief. I thanked him [afterward] for being the way he is, for caring for the group. I was certain that he would be the first penalty taker and show us the way to take victory. I think we’re all very proud of our captain. Our dressing room was all delighted. I think he gave us all a lesson. Life and football give you difficult moments and the way he reacted shows why we are so proud of Portuguese football.
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