Seleção Goalkeeper Saves Skipper's International Career in 3-0 Shootout Win
Cristiano Ronaldo has had a remarkable career but never experienced an evening like this. The Portugal captain appeared shattered after missing a penalty in Monday night's Euro 2024 last-16 match against Slovenia, unable to contain his emotions as his teammates rallied behind him.
In the end, Diogo Costa came to his rescue, keeping Portugal in the competition by defeating Benjamin Sesko in a one-on-one in the dying moments of extra time, then making three magnificent stops in the shootout that followed this most dramatic of 0-0 draws.
Credit to Ronaldo; he had shown tremendous strength in collecting himself sufficiently to take - and score - his penalty,
Defense & Goalkeeper Diego Costa (9/10):
The Seleccao goalkeeper had little to do except make a massive save against Sesko in the final moments of extra time, even though Slovakia occasionally threatened on the break. They then made a significant breakthrough during the gunfight.
Joao Cancelo: 77/50
You can return the clock a few years with a dynamic display on the right. Cancelo posed a significantly greater threat than Bernardo Silva, especially in the second half when he could outplay opponents easily. Fortunate, however, to escape with a shoddy touch in a hazardous place.
Ruben Dias (7/10):
The Manchester City player, who was usually strong in the air and did an excellent job of passing the ball, had an effortless evening, but when it came time to make a crucial stop, he stopped a Verbic shot.
Pepe (4.0/10):
Far from being as dominant as he appeared on the group stage. He was fortunate that Sesko twice blew great opportunities after initially exposing Pepe's lack of pace and capitalizing on a mistake. At one instance, he passed the ball right out of play. He arrived far later than necessary for his departure.
Nuno Mendes (7/10):
They had excellent left-wing coordination with Leao and, at one point, made a superb comeback to stop a potentially deadly Slovenian cut-back.
Vitinha (7/10) in the midfield:
Oddly offered up for Jota, it possessed something powerful and accurate. Slovenia was unable to remove him off the ball.
João Palhinha (7.5 out of 10):
He accomplished a fantastic job in front of the back four. He won most of his duels and made seven tackles in the first half alone. Went close as well with a firm header.
Bernardo Silva's offensive (6/10):
He has produced plenty of time, space, and openings for Cancelo by putting over some excellent crosses from the right side. However, the final product needed to be improved, as is sometimes when Bernardo is wearing a Seleccao shirt. Nevertheless, his penalty gave his nation the victory.
Bruno Fernandes (5.5/10)
It's the most likely casualty of Portugal's setup. Though typically seen in considerably deeper places, he is deployed as a No. 10 on paper and eventually returned to midfield after Vitinha was substituted. Compared to everyone else on the field, they created more opportunities and lost possession more frequently (40 times!). He made sure his penalty was correct, at least.
Rafael Leao (7/10):
In the first half, we witnessed the genuine Leao in Germany. The AC Milan attacker's dribbling abilities and speed caused so much trouble for Slovenia's defense that two of them were booked. Although his impact lessened in the second half, one can still question why he was substituted with fifteen minutes remaining.
Rafael Napoli (3/10):
Despite appearing dangerous in the first half, his goal attempts grew more absurd and ineffective. His emotions influenced his decision-making, as he was way too agitated. He wasted a stupid and ridiculous attempt to score from a wide free-kick on the left wing. Despite his penalty miss that led to a Gazza-like outburst during the match, he still displayed remarkable bravery by taking the first spot shot of the shootout.
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