Portugal advanced to the Euro 2024 quarterfinals despite a determined Slovenian performance thanks to Diogo Costa’s heroics in a penalty shootout, however.
Ronaldo missed his initial penalty but made amends with the second. Our Opta Match Centre provides all of the stats from this epic game.
In this article, we will discuss the main points or high lights of Portugal National Football Team vs Slovenia National Football Team Stats.
Portugal Team Statistics
The Portugal national football team are an international senior association football team representing Portugal in international competition. Competing in UEFA’s main club competitions such as Champions League and Europa League, this squad are based out of Lisbon with red, white, and blue kits worn for matches based out of Lisbon – this success story includes seven European Championship titles and nine European cups won over time!
Portugal boasts a number of players capable of filling various positions on the pitch. Cristiano Ronaldo leads its attack and has won six European Player of the Year Awards; other notable players include Nani, Goncalo Guedes and Raphael Varane – with several defenders available to cover in various positions if needed.
Slovenia has an effective defence, as evidenced by their limited number of chances allowed Portugal in this game. They boast an exceptional goalkeeper in Jan Oblak who has made incredible saves during this tournament and maintained clean sheets in each of his Euro 2024 appearances.
Portugal stands a good chance of victory in this matchup and their chances are increased by their ability to score multiple goals. Their attack can threaten Slovenia’s defense; let’s see how things play out! This must-win match for both teams!
Slovenia Team Statistics
Slovenia are one of the lower-ranked teams at this tournament, yet have managed to advance all the way into the quarter-finals of a major European Championship for the first time ever. Matjaz Kek’s side have managed to advance past group stages on three separate occasions but never further than that; therefore they will hope that an early exit doesn’t occur during their fourth appearance at such an event, yet face an uphill task against Portugal in this match-up.
Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig has been a key contributor for Portugal, leading with five shots on target and three assists at this tournament so far. His pace and direct running have seen him break past Portugal’s defense on multiple occasions but unfortunately without scoring yet.
Slovenia have made an admirable effort defensively at this tournament, but their attacking play hasn’t quite lived up to their hopes. Only three goals were scored across four matches and Roberto Martinez’s side have struggled against Portugal’s tightly organized defense – leading them to resort mostly to long-range shots from open play – limiting their goal scoring chances and goal threat.
Portugal had only three shots on target and an expected goals data of 0.11. They were restricted in possession by an organized Slovenia team who were happy to sit deep and block any attempts by Portugal to attack.
Jan Oblak made a series of brilliant saves to deny Cristiano Ronaldo his chances, saving two wonderful chances from Benjamin Sesko that ensured this game went to penalties – where Ronaldo missed his initial kick but ultimately scored one that proved decisive and ensured Portugal now face France in the quarter-finals.
Joao Palhinha has been an invaluable presence for the visitors, making nine tackles to surpass Juraj Kucka as the leading Slovenian tackler at this competition. Additionally, RB Leipzig midfielder Joao Palhinha completed an astonishing 91 passes – more than any Slovenian in this tournament!
Head-to-Head Record
Portugal have wasted an opportunity as Joao Cancelo shrugs his way past three Slovenia defenders before cutting back half-cleared to Bernardo Silva who looks for the top corner but instead fires his effort high and wide of the mark.
Ronaldo has been quiet throughout this match but still attempts to take advantage of a free kick he was awarded near shooting range. He beat Vanja Drkusic but his shot is saved by Jan Oblak who has had a busy evening as goalkeeper for their hosts.
Slovenia spend the majority of their game absorbing pressure but when they get the ball forward they look dangerous on the break. Matjaz Kek has built this side around defensive solidity but they also possess enough firepower on the counter attack; Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig stands out as their main threat and his thunderous shot cannot find an opening through Pepe’s dense defensive system.
Two extra minutes have passed and Ronaldo has yet another opportunity thwarted by Jan Oblak of Atletico Madrid keeper courageously positioning himself above two Portugal players and blocking Ronaldo’s shot.
Joao Palhinha provided Portugal with their last first-half opportunity, when his shot from 20 yards flew through the air and onto the woodwork before colliding into advertising hoardings at the edge of the pitch and hitting an upright. At halftime, Portugal made one change, as Francisco Conceicao replaced Rafael Leao.
Prediction
Slovenia was an aggressive opponent who gave Portugal all sorts of trouble in extra time and penalty shootout. Ultimately, Diogo Costa saved all three Slovenian penalties as Portugal advanced to the quarter-finals where they will meet France.
Penalties: Ronaldo opened proceedings by sending his shot towards the bottom left, where Oblak correctly predicted but still couldn’t reach. Josip Ilicic and Jure Balkovec followed suit, each hitting well but not enough to pass Costa; Porto goalkeeper Rafael was brilliantly on hand with three incredible saves: left for Ilicic’s penalty shot before diving right to stop both other penalties – setting off an epic end to an impressive match!
As the second half of extra time commences, Portugal fans roar their support as their side strives to gain entry into the last eight. Slovenia may still have a chance at doing just that as they continue to penetrate Portugal’s defense on occasion.
Defenders were quick to shut down any threat posed by Portugal, with only three shots on target before halftime. Portugal struggled to break through their opponents.
At this early point of extra time, both teams appear evenly matched. Both are creating chances but having difficulty capitalizing. Joao Palhinha has been caught offside four times already this game and issued with a yellow card as punishment.
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