Wolves’ Portuguese trio have the chance to feature at the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 after their country narrowly overcame Slovenia on penalties on Monday evening.
Nelson Semedo was the only Wolves man to make it off the bench as Portugal struggled against a determined Slovenia side, before spot kicks secured their place in the last eight of the competition.
There has also been Copa America matches involving Gary O’Neil’s players this week, and wolves.co.uk rounds up all the action.
Sa, Semedo, Neto | Portugal 0-0 Slovenia (Portugal win 3-0 on penalties)
Despite starting Portugal’s final group game, Pedro Neto found himself joining Jose Sa and Semedo among the substitutes in the Last 16 clash in Frankfurt, as he watched his country held to a goalless draw inside 90 minutes.
In extra time, with Portugal pushing for a winning goal, captain Cristiano Ronaldo was foiled from the penalty spot by Slovenia and Atletico Madrid keeper Jan Oblak, before Semedo was brought off the bench for the final three minutes, alongside his former club teammate Ruben Neves.
With no time for Semedo to impact proceedings, the game went to penalties, where Portugal’s number one keeper Diogo Costa becoming his country’s hero.
The man keeping Sa out of the starting line-up saved all three of Slovenia’s opening spot kicks, while Portugal netted all of theirs, securing their spot in the quarter-finals and a clash with France at 8pm on Friday.
Gomes | Paraguay 1-4 Brazil
Joao Gomes continues to be a key member of Brazil’s Copa America side, having been entrusted from the start once again by coach Dorival Junior for the group stage win over Paraguay.
Playing just their second match of this summer’s competition, Gomes produced another assured display in the centre of midfield, winning nine of his 12 competed ground duels.
That allowed the attacking force of his nation to take full advantage, with Vinicius Junior bagging a brace, while Lucas Paqueta and Savinho scoring one each.
The result leaves Brazil second in Group D, two points being Colombia, but Gomes’ side know anything other than a heavy defeat to the group leaders in their final match will see them through to the knockout stages.
Lembikisa | Jamaica 0-3 Venezuela
With a place in the Copa America knockout stages already beyond Jamaica heading into the final game of Group B, Dexter Lembikisa was left on the bench of his country’s 3-0 defeat to Venezuela.
One of Jamaica’s key players during their first two matches, Lembikisa remained among the substitutes as head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson rotated his pack for the final match with his team having nothing to play for but pride.
But the changes didn’t pay off, as Venezuela scored three second half goals – with the second of those coming from former West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle United striker Saloman Rondon – which confirmed their opponent's place as group winners.
Remaining fixtures...
Sa, Semedo, Neto | Portugal
Portugal vs France | 5th July, 8pm
Gomes | Brazil
Brazil vs Colombia | 3rd June, 2am
