Portugal Advances on Penalties, Faces France in Euros Quarterfinals
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images Pictured: Diogo Costa and Bernardo Silva of Portugal celebrate after the team’s victory in the penalty shootout
Portugal fell to Georgia in its final game of group play in what many consider the biggest upset in Euros history. Of course, Portugal had already won the group before that game kicked off and ran out a ragtag lineup.
So, the big question heading into Monday’s Round of 16 game against Slovenia was if that loss was a harbinger of things to come or a result that should be taken with a grain of salt.
It turned out to be the latter, as Portugal advanced despite failing to score in a second straight match. They were able to come out on top in a shootout thanks to Diogo Costa's heroics. The goaltender saved all three shots he faced as Portugal won 3-0 on penalties. It was the first time a goalie made three saves in a shootout in Euros history.
Portugal was heavily favored heading into the match. They were -275 to win while Slovenia was +1000. They managed to avoid the upset and now move on to face France in the quarterfinals. France has the third-best odds to win the Euros at +350 while Portugal has the fifth-best odds at +700.
Portugal must play better to have a chance against France as they won't be able to get away with the same mistakes they did against Slovenia. For instance, they had a golden opportunity to go ahead in extra time when they were awarded a penalty in the 105th minute. Cristiano Ronaldo — looking to become the oldest player to score a goal in Euros history — struck a shot to the bottom right corner. However, Jan Oblak made a brilliant save, diving at full extension to punch the ball away.
Slovenia had a prime opportunity late in the second extra time session when Pepe misplayed the ball, letting Benjamin Šeško dribble all alone. Šeško let loose a shot toward the right side of the net, but Costa kicked it away, denying Slovenia the chance to win it prior to penalties.
Ronaldo redeemed his previous penalty miss right off the bat, curling a shot inside the left post after Slovenia's first attempt was saved. Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva scored on their attempts as well, giving Portugal the 3-0 win on penalties and the right to face France on Friday.
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