The Euro 2024 Round of 16 clash between Portugal and Slovenia at the Frankfurt Stadium saw a high-intensity encounter with key moments from both sides.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the all-time leading goalscorer in international football, started for Portugal and looked to add to his goal tally. The 39-year-old had yet to find the back of the net in the ongoing tournament. In a crucial moment, Ronaldo came close to breaking the deadlock in the 33rd minute. After Rafael Leao was brought down by Slovenia’s Vanja Drkusic, Portugal was awarded a free-kick just outside the penalty area. Ronaldo stepped up and struck the ball with power, sending it inches over the bar and beyond the reach of Jan Oblak’s outstretched hands.
Just before halftime, Joao Palhinha nearly put Portugal ahead. Leao’s pass from the left flank found Palhinha on the edge of the box, who unleashed a powerful shot that beat Oblak but struck the outside of the post and went out of play.
As the first half concluded, Portugal’s pursuit of a quarterfinal berth continued with Ronaldo and Palhinha making their presence felt. The second half remained tense as both teams fought for an advantage.
