Portugal dominated possession from the kickoff, pressing Slovenia onto the back foot in the opening stages.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, Robert Martinez's men struggled to convert their dominance into goals, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes both missing close-range opportunities, reports Xinhua.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Slovenia defended resolutely, keeping all their players behind the ball. Ronaldo had a chance from a promising free-kick position at the half-hour mark but sent it over the target.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In the closing stages of the first half, Slovenia could have caught Portugal flatfooted, but Petar Stojanovic opted for a square pass instead of taking a shot on goal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Portugal continued to be the more active team after the restart, while Slovenia remained largely passive.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Slovenia's goalkeeper, Jan Oblak, frustrated Ronaldo by neutralizing a free kick in the 55th minute and a dangerous long-range shot in the closing period.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In extra time, Ronaldo had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock when Diogo was fouled inside the box. However, he couldn't beat Oblak from the penalty spot in the 105th minute.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Slovenia showed signs of life in the 115th minute but missed a crucial chance when Benjamin Sesko failed to beat Diogo Costa in a one-on-one situation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
After a goalless draw, the match went to a penalty shootout. Ronaldo finally beat Oblak from the spot to open the scoring.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Goalkeeper Diogo Costa then single-handedly helped Portugal progress by denying penalties from Josip Ilicic, Jure Balkovec, and Benjamin Verbic. Bernardo Silva sealed the victory with his successful penalty.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
After a goalless draw, the match went to a penalty shootout. Ronaldo finally beat Oblak from the spot to open the scoring.<\/p>\r\n\r\n