Portugal and Slovenia set a historic record in the penalty shootout at Euro 2024

At the European Football Championship held in Germany, the national teams of Portugal and Slovenia became the authors of a historical record. In the 1/8 final match, the teams did not have enough 120 minutes of playing time to determine the winner, and they played the shortest penalty shootout in the history of the continental and world championships.

According to analytics portal Opta, opponents needed just six shots in the post-match penalty shoot-out to book their place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. This is a record low number of penalties scored in such series and the minimum needed to finish, so the achievement of the Portuguese and Slovenians will remain forever.

Diogo Koshta's heroic performance

The goalkeeper of the Portuguese national team Diogo Costa became the first in history, who blocked three 11-meter shots from opponents at once and did not miss a single shot in the series. Thanks to his heroics, Portugal won the series 3-0 and advanced to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.

"It was an incredible match. We knew it would be difficult, but Diogo showed himself to be a real hero. His saves gave us the opportunity to continue the fight for the title," said Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo.

Historical context and comparison

Prior to that, the shortest penalty shootout at the European Championships was held by the national teams of Croatia and Turkey in 2008. Then seven shots were needed to determine the participant of the semi-finals, and the "checkered" lost sensationally with a score of 1:3.

At the world championships, the corresponding record was set by the national teams of Germany and Mexico at the 1986 World Cup. The Europeans also needed seven penalties to reach the quarter-finals, where they later lost to Argentina in the final.

The future for Portugal

Now the Portuguese national team is preparing for the next match, where they have to meet a serious opponent in the quarter-finals. Diogo Kosta's performance and his outstanding saves give hope for the team's further success in the tournament.

"We are ready for any challenges. Each match is a new chance to show our strength and unity. We strive to reach the final and win the title," added Ronaldo.

This European Championship will be Cristiano Ronaldo's last in his career and he is determined to end it on a high note. The Portuguese continue to fight for the title, and their record in the penalty shootout has already entered history.

Editor: Emilia Morozova