Diogo Costa the hero as Portugal survive almighty Slovenia scare to snatch a place in the quarter final

Slovenia put on a dazzling defensive display to frustrate Portugal and, against all odds, secure an impressive 0-0 draw to take the match to extra time - and all the way to penalties, with Diogo Costa proving Portugal's saviour with a stunning goalkeeping display.

Determined, organised, resilient - Slovenia, set up in an old school 4-4-2, put on the performance of their lives as they restricted Portugal to hopeful crosses, hopeless freekicks and desperate long balls as frustration built and optimism began to wane.

Portugal dominated possession and were by no means as poor as they were in their 2-0 defeat to Georgia, showing good attacking intent and decent pace in their passing, but came up against a masterclass rearguard effort from their opponents.

Every ball into the area seemed just slightly overhit and agonisingly out of reach, and Slovenia survived Portugal's dominance in possession with relative ease thanks to their resolute and structured performance.

The Seleção’s best chance of the first half perhaps came from João Palhinha, whose first time strike from outside the box shaved the outside of the post.

As the game wore on, Portugal continued to see more of the ball, but Slovenia were a constant threat on the break and in transitions, their direct style often catching out Portugal who continued to attack in numbers in search of the breakthrough as frustration intensified.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was perhaps the most agitated of all as his sheer desperation to score in his sixth European championships got the better of him. Through no lack of self belief and effort, Ronaldo was ineffective in leading the line, always seeming to be slightly short of the balls delivered into the area. Stepping up to take every free kick that came Portugal's way was further testament to his own burning desire to get off the mark at Euro 2024, even if to the detriment of his own side.

His best chance in the first 90 minutes came as he was slotted through on goal, but his powerful effort was straight at Oblak, and Portugal had to settle for extra time.

Roberto Martinez’s side failed to create too much in the opening period of overtime, until Diogo Jota was taken down in the area. The referee pointed to the spot, gifting Portugal the opportunity to take the lead. Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up, but his decent effort was kept out by Jan Oblak, leaving the emotional 39-year old star in tears as the extra time reached the halfway point.

Though Slovenia's chances were few and far between, it was they who had the best opportunity to snatch victory in the dying moments of the game when the fatigued Pepe, the oldest player to ever play at the Euros at 41, miscontrolled the ball to send Sesko through on goal. They looked destined to secure the most unlikely of victories, but for a sensational Diogo Costa save to keep Portugal alive and send the game to penalties.

It was in the spot kicks that Diogo Costa further rose to the occasion, saving not one, not two, but all three of Slovenia's penalties - becoming the first goalkeeper in Euros history to save three in a single penalty shootout.

With Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva all converting, Portugal won the shootout emphatically, a 3-0 victory a harsh outcome on the spectacular Slovenia side, but ensured Portugal's adventure goes on.

Up next for Portugal? France… The heavyweight quarter-final clash will take place on Friday evening. Portugal now have to focus on putting this game behind them as they look to take on one of the other favourites to lift the trophy.