Ronaldo frustrated and Portugal 0-0 with Slovenia at halftime in Euro 2024 last 16

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after an attempt to score during a round of sixteen match between Portugal and Slovenia at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Frankfurt, Germany, Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo has had a frustrating first half and Portugal is 0-0 with Slovenia at the break in their round of 16 game at the European Championship.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo heads the ball during a round of sixteen match between Portugal and Slovenia at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Frankfurt, Germany, Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

The Portugal captain came closest to scoring his first goal of the tournament with a powerful free kick in the 34th minute. The shot barely went over the crossbar though Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak was well positioned.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after missing a scoring chance during a round of sixteen match between Portugal and Slovenia at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Frankfurt, Germany, Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Twice Ronaldo failed to connect with headers on teasing crosses into the Slovenia goalmouth, first by Bernardo Silva and then Vitinha. At 39, Ronaldo’s once perfect timing in the air eluded him and he looked to the skies with his arms stretched wide

Slovenia's Petar Stojanovic, left, tries to stop Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo during a round of sixteen match between Portugal and Slovenia at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Frankfurt, Germany, Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

João Palhinha's shot struck the outside of a post with the last kick of the first half.

Slovenia's Vanja Drkusic, center, heads the ball as in action with Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, left, during a round of sixteen match between Portugal and Slovenia at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Frankfurt, Germany, Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Slovenia, playing its first-ever knockout game at a major tournament, has been well organized but created few chances. Forward Benjamin Šeško’s long-range shot in the 44th after a galloping run was easily taken by goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

Portugal's Bruno Fernandes, left, and Slovenia's Adam Gnezda Cerin fight for the ball during a round of sixteen match between Portugal and Slovenia at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Frankfurt, Germany, Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

The winner will advance to face France in the quarterfinals on Friday in Hamburg.

Portugal's Bruno Fernandes, bottom, challenges for the ball with Slovenia's Vanja Drkusic during a round of sixteen match between Portugal and Slovenia at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Frankfurt, Germany, Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

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Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, right, controls the ball by Slovenia's Petar Stojanovic during a round of sixteen match between Portugal and Slovenia at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Frankfurt, Germany, Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/{Michael Probst)

AP Euro 2024: https://apnews.com/hub/euro-2024

Portugal players sing their national anthem before a round of sixteen match between Portugal and Slovenia at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Frankfurt, Germany, Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/{Michael Probst)

Graham Dunbar, The Associated Press

Portugal starting players pose for a team photo at the beginning of a round of sixteen match between Portugal and Slovenia at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Frankfurt, Germany, Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

Slovenia starting players pose for a team photo at the beginning of a round of sixteen match between Portugal and Slovenia at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Frankfurt, Germany, Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)