Portugal succumbed to a surprise 2-0 defeat at the hands of Slovenia in Ljubljana on Tuesday night at the Stožice Stadium. They registered a commanding 5-2 win over Sweden in their last international tie.
The Selecao’s all-time leading goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo who was unavailable in the game against Sweden, managed only one shot against Slovenia and spent the rest of the game complaining to match officials rather than making a difference between the two sides. Roberto Martinez suffered his first defeat as Portugal’s manager who had previously won eleven games in a row.
Slovenia, who drew 2-2 with Malta on Thursday opened the scoring through Adam Cerin in the 72nd minute who came face-to-face with the Portugal shot-stopper and slotted one home to score the first goal on the night. Then attacker Timi Elsnik doubled the advantage eight minutes later when he dribbled past Portugal’s two-man back for an easy finish past Diogo Costa.
As the international break ends for both sides, let’s take a look at the player ratings for Slovenia and Portugal.
Slovenia vs Portugal Player Ratings
Slovenia
Jan Oblak – 6/10
Jaka Bijol – 4/10
Miha Blažič – 5/10
Žan Karničnik – 6/10
Erik Janža – 6/10
Committed a hard foul on Octavio and was warned with a yellow.
Petar Stojanovic – 5/10
Made a few crucial fouls but lacked intensity throughout the game.
Adam Cerin – 7/10
Cerin scored the opening goal in the 72nd minute, slotting past Costa and finishing with class.
Timi Elšnik – 7/10
The midfielder dribbles past Portugal’s defence who netted his first-ever goal for Slovenia. He had a good game in the midfield.
Sandi Lovrić – 5/10
Benjamin Sesko – 7/10
Andraz Sporar – 5/10
Also Read: Algeria vs South Africa Prediction and Betting Tips
SUBSTITUTES
Vanja Drkusic – 5/10
Jon Gorenc Stanković – 5/10
Žan Celar – 6/10
Celar was one of the main orchestrators in Slovenia’s opening goal of the night.
Benjamin Verbič– N/A
Portugal
Diogo Costa – 5/10
Made an impressive stop to deny Sesko and conceded the second goal very easily
Pepe – 6/10
The veteran defender made a few important blocks and had a solid first half before getting replaced by Antonio Silva.
Danilo Pereira – 5/10
Had a bad game in defence and failed to track back in Slovenia’s opening goal of the night.
Gonçalo Inácio – 5/10
Diogo Dalot – 4/10
The Man United defender was involved in attacks but lacked quality. Ronaldo laid the ball to Dalot but he skies the ball above the crossbar.
Joao Cancelo – 5/10
Didn’t have much of an impact, attempted a few tricky passes but failed.
Vitinha – 6/10
Ruben Neves – 7/10
He was one of the best players for Portugal last night. Held possession and was accurate in passing.
Joao Felix – 5/10
The Barcelona winger had a rather forgettable game as he lacked finishing in front of the goal.
Otavio – 5/10
Cristiano Ronaldo – 4/10
Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer was barely involved and spent more time appealing for fouls to the official.
SUBSTITUTES
Antonio Silva – 5/10
Made several errors during the game and prevented a decent move from Slovenia
Joao Neves – N/A
Jota Silva – N/A
Francisco Conceição – 6/10
Debutant Conceicao had a good game on the wings,