Just when you think the mentality monster Cristiano Ronaldo is done at the highest level, he once again rises to take the first Portuguese penalty of the shootout. He duly converted it. No, he buried it. Ronaldo picked his spot and buried it into the side netting. But make no mistake about it: the hero of the night was not the number seven; it was his goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Costa made a monumental save in extra time as the highly coveted young forward Benjamin Šeško was through on goal and one-on-one against the Portuguese number one. Costa’s outstretched leg denied Slovenia from taking the lead. The goalkeeper followed this up with a remarkable performance in the shootout by saving all three attempts from Slovenia, something completely unheard of. Costa was undoubtedly the best performer of the night, saving his country and captain the blushes.
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It was an all-out attack from Portugal right from kick-off. They were not messing about, and the loss against Georgia seemed like a distant memory. Rafael Leao was wreaking havoc on the left flank and combined with Nuno Mendes on a couple of occasions. Ronaldo seemed hell-bent on breaking his duck and was given the signal to shoot at sight. The talisman ended up taking as many as four freekicks on the night, converting none of them but getting close with a couple.
Joao Cancelo and Bruno Fernandes were pulling the strings for Portugal. This was inarguably the former’s best performance for his country, as he was constantly toying with Jure Balkovec. The former Manchester City defender completed six dribbles on the night, more than most forwards and wingers on the pitch. He was also immense defensively, winning all of his tackles, recording five clearances, and was dribbled past only once.
Joao Palhinha was another Portuguese midfielder who was magnificent on the night. He won 19 duels, was dispossessed only once, recorded ten recoveries, and committed only one foul. This performance was a testament to why European giants Bayern Munich are interested in acquiring his services. His partner in midfield, Fernandes, continues to be the creator in chief for the side. The United talisman had 23 passes into the final third and created four chances on the night, even if his expected assists (xA) was only 0.44.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal face France in the quarterfinals
As we go deeper into the tournament, the heavyweight clashes come to the fore. Portugal against France is, without a doubt, the headline act in the quarterfinals this year. This tie has been billed as Cristiano Ronaldo vs Kylian Mbappe; the master was the protege. Many consider this the moment the student becomes the master.
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Styles make fights, and as ludicrous as this might sound, France could prove to be an easier matchup for Portugal than Slovenia. Mbappe and co. are the favourites to go through and will be on the front foot allowing Portugal to operate on the counter. This could play into their hands as they struggle to break down the low block, and France will not have 11 men behind the ball against Portugal in the quarterfinals of the European Championships.
Ronaldo will look to break his duck this tournament. As the adage goes, once the goals start coming, they come all at once. Portugal will need Ronaldo’s goals against France if they are to even stand a chance against the mighty Frenchmen.
But, for tonight, they celebrate yet another victory thanks to Diogo Costa and, for once, not due to Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Source : Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal Persevere to Stay in the Game
