Portugal secures ticket to 2024 European Championship with win over Slovakia

Portugal has booked the ticket for the 2024 European Championship in Germany. In the end, the Seleçao had to tremble again against Slovakia after a lot of chances.

Match winner takes measure: Cristiano Ronaldo in his element. IMAGO/HMB Media

The home team’s self-confidence was evident from the first second in the Estadio do Dragao. Portugal, together with France the only team in the European Championship qualifiers that had not lost any points before this matchday, had lined up to get their ticket to the finals. The Seleçao brought with them veteran star and captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who Roberto Martinez had to replace in the 9-0 win against Luxembourg.

Early usury of opportunities was almost punished

Needless to say, the Al-Nassr striker was immediately the center of attention in Porto’s constant rain. Together with Bernardo Silva, he missed the lead (7th) as did Bruno Fernandes and Rafael Leao (14th) – which is why it was almost 1-0 for the guests in return. However, Diogo Costa prevented Antonio Silva’s own goal with a sensational reflex with which he directed the ball onto the crossbar (15th).

Shortly afterwards, the dominant hosts were able to celebrate. Goncalo Ramos overcame Dubravka, who was not acting optimally in this scene, with a header (18th), who kept his team in the game several times as the game progressed. The veteran was alone against Bruno Fernandes (26th), Goncalo Ramos (37th) and Bernardo Silva (39th) before the break.

CR7 from point ice cold

In addition to Newcastle’s goalkeeper, it was also the missing bit of luck in two scenes that prevented further Portuguese goals. Cristiano Ronaldo scored just wide after Bernardo Silva’s aforementioned finish, while Goncalo Ramos hit the post with another attempt (43′). The fact that Portugal went into the break with a 2-0 score that was more than flattering for Slovakia was due to a hand penalty that CR7 had confidently converted after just under half an hour (29th).

After the restart, the Seleçao shifted down a gear. However, Slovakia, which now had a second legionnaire from Germany in HSV pace setter Benes after starter Pekarik (Hertha BSC), initially did not capitalize on this. Instead, the focus should be on the weather, as the significantly heavier rain brought the pitch in Porto close to the edge of being unplayable here and there.

Lobotka’s dream goal is no longer enough

So it was a tough affair in the second half, in which the guests had the necessary fortune to shorten the score. Hancko’s long-range shot was unstoppably deflected by Antonio Silva (69′) and ushered in a livelier final phase. The home team responded immediately with Cristiano Ronaldo’s second goal, which supposedly finally pulled the plug on the Slovaks (72′).

But things turned out differently, as another long-distance hit, this time of the Traumtor brand, shortened the score a second time. Lobotka’s beam gave Diogo Costa no chance (80th), and things got really exciting again – at least in terms of the result. However, the guests were unable to create any further opportunities to score. Instead, Dubravka deserved the last highlights of the game, the goalkeeper once again distinguished himself against Joao Felix and Diogo Jota (90.+1), whom he stood in the way of a second time (90.+2).

Portugal, which has already qualified for the European Championship finals, can now take it easy against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Monday evening (8.45 p.m.). The situation is completely different for Slovakia in the parallel game against Luxembourg. Because the opponent in third place has legitimate hopes of successfully qualifying and in a direct duel they have the chance to move past the Slovaks.

2023-10-13 21:11:52
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