Cristiano Ronaldo? 11 consecutive wins? No problem! Slovenia celebrates a huge victory, as the star-studded Portugal falls at the Stožice Stadium!
Photo: Žan Pak
What a match in the sold-out Stožice Stadium! Everyone expected another smooth victory for Portugal, but everyone witnessed a victory for … Slovenia! Slovenia played an outstanding game. A game worthy of a team that has qualified for the Euro 2024! In Ljubljana, the invincible were defeated. In Ljubljana, the powerhouse fell with a score of 2-0. One of the favorites for the title of European champion, say the experts… But what a performance by Slovenia, what a victory for Slovenia!
After Slovenia drew against Malta a few days ago, many were convinced that the team led by Matjaž Kek, who delegated the management of this match to assistant Boštjan Cesar, would be an easy task for the star-studded Portugal. And who could blame them… Portugal arrived in Slovenia riding an exceptional streak: 11 matches, 11 wins. Even Sweden fell by 2-5 at the end of last week!
But once again, it was proven in Stožice that Slovenians are a highly specific sports nation. Resilient. Combative. And also tough, resilient. Above all, much better against … the better! And so what if even Cristiano Ronaldo played for the better team. The Portuguese may have arrived in Slovenia riding an exceptional streak, but they had not yet faced such a resilient opponent in this series of matches.
Far from it that Slovenia, in front of 16,432 spectators, fiercely, panically defended. Far from it that they played bunker football. And far from it that they were in a distinctly subservient position. Moreover, Slovenia was even better in terms of creating chances. Cristiano Ronaldo mainly argued with the referee over every detail, while the Slovenians were diligent, disciplined, focused, and dangerous every time they found a bit more space.
Without a doubt, it was Slovenia that was a joy to watch. And it’s a pity that – let’s say – Andraž Šporar wasn’t just a step faster after 20 minutes of play when he already went past Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Or that the latter didn’t come out of his goal just enough to stop Benjamin Šeško‘s bomb from 18 meters in the 52nd minute. But then came the 72nd minute. And what an action by Slovenia! Adam Gnezda Čerin and Benjamin Šeško exchanged a one-two in the Portuguese penalty area, and the Panathinaikos midfielder then found himself alone in front of the visitors’ goalkeeper and calmly finished. Slovenia 1, Portugal 0!
Portugal pressed heavily towards Slovenia’s goal after conceding the goal. In fact, the equalizer was hanging in the air, but then… 2-0! Another one-two pass, another exceptional move. Petar Stojanović and Timi Max Elšnik outplayed the visiting defense, the captain of Olimpija rounded the Portuguese wall on his turf and with a masterful shot under the crossbar, he caused a new burst of enthusiasm in the stadium! Ronaldo had just fallen in his own penalty area before that, and while Slovenia celebrated, CR was “wiping away tears”… The referee… Well, he heard quite a bit then!
Cristiano Ronaldo played the entire match. After the game, he shouted at the referees. His Portugal had two shots. Slovenia scored two goals. Boys, hats off! Europe, here we come!
This text was automatically translated using AI.
Author: editorial Football Planet
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