Soccer Football - Euro 2024 - Round of 16 - Portugal v Slovenia - Frankfurt Arena, Frankfurt, Germany - July 1, 2024 Slovenia players look dejected during the penalty shootout REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay
MUNICH, Germany (Reuters) - Slovenia head home from Euro 2024 without winning a match but confident a series of determined performances with a core of young players should lead to regular returns to major tournaments.
Playing in their first one since the 2010 World Cup and their first Euros since 2000, nerves took over in the opening match against Denmark who were in complete control until Slovenia grabbed a late equaliser.
Once the players found their footing, however, Slovenia showed they belonged at the tournament despite losing a last-16 penalty shootout against Portugal on Monday.
"Many of my players have never played such a big competition," Slovenia manager Matjaz Kek said after the Group C 1-1 draw against Denmark. "When we saw something was possible today, they started playing.
"I think we will learn from this. When this team plays their second or third big tournament, they will be much stronger from the outset."
Slovenia qualified for the knockout rounds of a major tournament for the first time as one of the best third-placed finishers after drawing all three group matches.
Facing a Portugal side led by Cristiano Ronaldo in the round of 16 was never going to be an easy task but Slovenia defended superbly and created enough chances to sneak a victory in a match that finished 0-0 before going to penalties.
Slovenia, 51 places below Portugal in the world rankings, ran out of steam in the shootout and Portugal goalkeeper Diego Costa saved three spot-kicks.
"It was a good evening for Slovenian football," said Slovenia midfielder Adam Gnezda Cerin. "We’ve seen a competitive Slovenia who had a chance to eliminate Portugal with that great chance in the 115th minute. Unfortunately, we didn't succeed, but regardless I am so proud of this team.
"I think we will be back at a major tournament before long and we will be able to live such moments again. We've done a good job, not only for ourselves but for all of Slovenian sport. This team is something special and we'll be back."
Kek, 62, led a team with little in the way of experience, apart from captain and goalkeeper Jan Oblak but full of exciting prospects including 20-year-old Benjamin Sesko who had a one-on-one opportunity saved minutes from the end of the Portugal loss.
Participation in Germany marked only the fourth major international tournament for the former Yugoslav republic, who have been playing as an independent entity since 1992.
Yet players like Sesko, who recently extended his contract at Bundesliga club RB Leipzig amid reported interest from Premier League clubs Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea, promise good times ahead.
"Our youth bodes well for the future of Slovenian football," Kek said
(Reporting by Michael Kahn, Editing by Ed Osmond)
