From tears to triumph in the space of about 20 minutes – Cristiano Ronaldo has had quite the career but he’s never known an evening like this. The Portugal captain looked a broken man after missing a penalty in Monday night’s Euro 2024 semi-final clash with Slovenia, unable to control his emotions as his team-mates tried to rally around him.
In the end, it was Diogo Costa who came to his aid, keeping Portugal in the competition by bettering Benjamin Sesko in a one-on-one with in the closing stages of extra time, before making three sensational saves in the shootout that followed this most dramatic of 0-0 draws.
Credit to Ronaldo, he had shown impressive strength in composing himself sufficiently to take – and score – his penalty, and he even immediately apologised to the fans for his earlier miss. Seconds later, he was thanking Costa from the bottom of his heart for extending an international career that looked to end in embarrassment, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner having wasted one chance after another during normal time.
Below, footballblogzz rates all of the Portugal players on show as Roberto Martinez’s men set up a quarter-final showdown with France after a dramatic 3-0 win over Slovenia on penalties…
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Defence
Diogo Costa (9/10):
While Slovakia occasionally threatened on the break, the Seleccao shot-stopper actually had very little to do before making a massive save from Sesko in the dying minutes of extra-time. Then stepped up big time in the shootout.
Joao Cancelo (7.5/10):
Wound the clock back a couple of years with a dynamic display on the right-hand side. Indeed, Cancelo was actually far more dangerous than Bernardo Silva, particularly during the second half, when he appeared capable of beating defenders at will. Lucky to get away with a poor touch in a dangerous area, though.
Ruben Dias (7/10):
A pretty comfortable evening for the Manchester City man, who was typically dominant in the air and distributed the ball well, but when called upon, he made a vital block on a Benjamin Verbic shot.
Pepe (4/10):
Nowhere near as commanding as he looked in the group stage. He passed the ball straight out of play at one point and was blessed that Benjamin Sesko twice wasted incredible chances after first exposing Pepe’s lack of pace, and then pouncing on a mistake. Taken off far later than he should have been.
Nuno Mendes (7/10):
Linked well with Leao down the left flank and also got back brilliantly to cut out a very dangerous Slovenian cut-back at one point.
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Midfield
Vitinha (7/10):
Strangely sacrificed for Jota. Had been so strong and precise in possession. Slovenia just couldn’t knock him off the ball.
Joao Palhinha (7.5/10):
Did an incredible job in front of the back four. Made seven tackles in the first half alone and won the vast majority of his duels. Also went close with a good header.
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Attack
Bernardo Silva (6/10):
Put over some terrific crosses from the right wing and created a lot of time, space and openings for Cancelo. But there was no end product, which is often the case with Silva in a Seleccao shirt. Still, his penalty won the game for his country.
Bruno Fernandes (5.5/10):
Arguably the biggest victim of Portugal’s set-up. On paper, deployed as a No.10 but usually found in much deeper positions. Eventually moved back into midfield when Vitinha went off. Created more chances than anyone else on the field but also lost possession more than anyone else (40 times!). Made no mistake with his penalty, at least.
Rafael Leao (7/10):
We finally saw the real Rafael Leao in Germany, in the first half at least. With his pace and dribbling skills, the AC Milan attacker tormented Slovenia’s defenders to such an extent that two of them ended up in the book. His influence waned in the second half but still entitled to wonder why he was taken off with 15 minutes to go.
Cristiano Ronaldo (3/10):
Looked dangerous in the first half but his efforts on goal became increasingly farcical and counter-productive. He was quite visibly far too fired up and his emotions clouded his judgement. His attempt to score from a free-kick wide on the left wing was as ridiculous as it was wasteful. Should have been saved from himself before a penalty miss that reduced him to tears – but he still showed admirable courage to take the first spot-kick in the shootout.
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Subs & Manager
Diogo Jota (6/10):
Introduced midway through the second half, slotting in alongside Ronaldo up top. He created a great chance for his skipper, too, but it was unsurprisingly squandered.
Francisco Conceicao (5/10):
Took over on the left wing from Leao and later moved to the right. Did little on either side, though he was neat and tidy on the ball.
Nuno Mendes (N/A):
Only came on with three minutes to go.
Ruben Neves (N/A):
Part of a late, late double-substitution with Mundes.
Roberto Martinez (3/10):
If you can’t be good, be lucky! Martinez is blessed with a great group of players but their performances to date have been so disappointing. Slovenia were excellent defensively but his refusal to take off Ronaldo is just laughable at this stage. A last-16 game was basically allowed to become all about one team’s attempts to get their captain on the scoresheet – and that reflects horribly on Martinez. It’s going to be fascinating to see how he lines his team up against France!
