Diogo Costa saved three penalties in the final to send Portugal into the quarterfinals of Euro 2024 after a draw with Slovenia.
Cristiano Ronaldo saw a penalty saved by Jan Oblak in extra time, leaving the Al-Nassr star in tears, but then sent his pack-kick into the shootout, with Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva also finding the net.
But the hero was undoubtedly Selecao stopper Costa, who became the first goalkeeper in the European Championship to save three penalties in the shootout in the tournament's history.
After seeing a hapless Portugal set up a blockbuster quarter-final against France on Friday.
Slovenia upsets Portugal
A mediocre start from the underdogs from Slovenia limited Portugal to a few early chances, with Ruben Dias firing one wide after a poor bomb in the Frankfurt area.
Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes were both inches away at that point to turn in Bernardo Silva's cross as the Selecao tried to up the ante.
Ronaldo, still in search of his first goal of the tournament, saw a free-kick fly over the bar before another missed header, and his frustration grew as the half wore on.
Talisman striker Benjamin Sesko was the first to test the gloves of Diogo Costa but his powerful effort from distance on the stroke of half-time went straight into the hands of the Portugal keeper.
It was Portugal who struck before the break, with Rafael Leao's fine work down the left allowing Joao Palhinha to fire a shot wide of the post.
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The second half started with a wonderful run from Joao Cancelo, who swerved before his cross eventually found Bernardo, who couldn't get his shot down, Ronaldo biting Oblak's tentacles with another free-kick later.
Cancelo was heavily involved in a couple of good moves down the right but again, a determined Slovenian defense was equal to it.
Sesko then showed why he is so needed at club level after firing past Pepe on the run, but the 41-year-old did enough to keep out the RB Leipzig striker as he pulled his shot wide.
Portugal's momentum waned however and the game looked destined for extra time as the 90th minute approached.
Before that, Ronaldo looked like he might have his chance after being played in on goal but his shot went straight to Oblak who stood firm.
But after achieving 73% and 13 shots, there was no way past Slovenia for Ronaldo and Co, as they were forced to play another 30 minutes to decide the tough tie.
Portugal finally got the clear-cut chance they craved in extra time in the penalty area after a powerful run from substitute Diogo Jota forced Vanja Drkusic to bring Liverpool down.
Up went Ronaldo… but Oblak struck again as the Atletico Madrid stopper pulled off a stunning brace to deny his former Real Madrid team-mate.
Cristiano Ronaldo MISSED there! ❌#BBEuros #Euro2024 #PORSVN pic.twitter.com/nsDwV5ezTL
-BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 1, 2024
Amidst all the chaos, Slovenia manager Matjaz Kek was given a red card and sent off, with opposition manager Robeeto Martinez also shown a yellow for his unruly form as the first half of extra time drew to a close.
The game didn't end there as a sloppy touch by Pepe put Sesko on goal and a chance to make himself a national hero but he couldn't take it as his side shot was sent over the wire for Costa to save.
Pepe with a HUGE mistake! ❌
How did Benjamin Sesko not get a goal? #BBEuros #Euro2024 #PORSVN pic.twitter.com/6kaDkpmLsH
-BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 1, 2024
And with that, chances for both sides passed and the game headed to penalties thanks to a great defensive effort by Slovenia in the 120th minute.
Penalties decide to bind
Portugal had a good chance as Costa saved Josep Ilicic's goal before Ronaldo beat Oblak from the spot.
They then continued on their way as Costa spread himself to save another from Jure Balvocec, as Bruno Fernandes put them 2-0 up.
Costa was not finished there as he saved another from Benjamin Vrbic and put Portugal a goal away from the quarter-finals,
Bernardo Silva did the honors and coolly found the net, leaving Slovenia crestfallen and Portugal very relieved.
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