Defender Pepe has just continued to have a top performance for Portugal when contributing to the thrilling victory over Slovenia in the round of 16 of Euro 2024.
Portugal just experienced one of the most emotional matches in the past decade when they excellently defeated Slovenia on penalties , thereby winning a ticket to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
Besides the brilliance of goalkeeper Diogo Costa when he saved 3 penalties, another player also left a deep impression on Portuguese fans, and that was none other than center-back Pepe. The 41-year-old player had a very memorable match when he became a solid stopper for the defense, along with being a spiritual support for his juniors above to feel secure in finding goals.
During 117 minutes on the field, the central defender currently playing for Porto left many impressive statistics when he won 7/9 aerial duels, made 9 clearances, 3 interceptions, touched the ball 143 times and achieved an accurate passing rate of up to 89%.
Pepe had an excellent performance against Slovenia. Photo: Getty
At his current age, it is hard to believe that Pepe is still the number one choice in a defense full of Portuguese stars, and it is also hard to believe that the former Real Madrid star can still maintain his peak form at the age of 41, an age when many people think he no longer has enough physical strength and love for playing football.
However, not being as young as his colleagues sometimes makes Pepe appear to be at a disadvantage in speed races, and the clearest proof was when this defender could not keep up with young star Benjamin Sesko in a speed race in the middle of the second half.
Pepe appeared out of breath when racing with Sesko. Photo: Getty
Pepe’s fatal mistake
In the 115th minute, Pepe made a mistake in handling the ball, giving Slovenia’s Sesko a chance to steal the ball and face goalkeeper Costa. Fortunately, the shot was not dangerous and Costa’s brilliance kept Portugal’s clean sheet.
Pepe made a mistake, but it is understandable and sympathetic for him as a player who has turned 41 and has worked hard for more than 100 minutes, making his legs no longer smooth. During the previous period, Pepe created a series of impressive blocking and clearance situations, playing the role of leader in the defense, bringing peace of mind to his teammates and Portuguese fans.
Pepe almost became a sinner with a misdirected pass. Photo: Getty
Returning to the match above, Portugal created countless delicious opportunities during the official match time, but no goals were scored. Entering the first extra time, “European Selecao” seemed to have a chance to take the lead when awarded a penalty kick, but superstar Cristiano Ronaldo could not defeat Jan Oblak, thereby forcing the match to enter a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
Pepe remains Portugal’s safe stopper.
Here, goalkeeper Diogo Costa blocked 3 consecutive shots from Slovenia, while Ronaldo and his teammates did not miss a single shot, thereby struggling to win a ticket to the quarter-finals.
Here, coach Roberto Martinez’s team will face the French national team, and this is considered the “early final” of Euro 2024.
