Football

Slovenia's historic Euro 2024 campaign has reached the last-16 stage, where they face the formidable Portugal. Despite their impressive unbeaten run, Slovenia's star striker Benjamin Sesko has yet to find the back of the net.Sesko's absence from the scoresheet is a departure from his prolific form for RB Leipzig, where he scored in each of his last seven games. His versatility as a striker is evident in his ability to score with his head, unleash fierce strikes from distance, and possess exceptional speed and physicality.Despite Sesko's goal drought, Slovenia has shown resilience and determination in their group stage matches. They held England to a 1-1 draw, narrowly missed out on a victory against Denmark, and drew with Serbia in a heart-wrenching 1-1 tie.Their third-place finish in Group C sets up a clash with Portugal, who impressed with wins over Czech Republic and Turkey. However, Portugal's talismanic forward Cristiano Ronaldo has also failed to score in the tournament.Ronaldo, despite his advancing age, remains a pivotal figure for Portugal. His experience and leadership will be crucial against Slovenia, who will be looking to exploit any weaknesses in the Portuguese defense.Sesko, who was just a toddler when Ronaldo made his Euro debut in 2004, will be eager to make his mark on the tournament. His potential and the underdog status of Slovenia could inspire a similar upset to Greece's victory over Portugal in the 2004 final.

Andrej Kramaric's dramatic 90th-minute equalizer salvaged a 1-1 draw for Hoffenheim against 10-man RB Leipzig in a thrilling Bundesliga encounter on Friday.Leipzig dominated the first half, with Benjamin Sesko's header from David Raum's cross giving them the lead in the 38th minute. The visitors continued to control the game after the break, but their advantage was short-lived.In the 55th minute, Paris Saint-Germain loanee Xavi Simons received a yellow card for handball. Just 17 minutes later, he was shown a second yellow for a challenge on Anton Stach, leaving Leipzig with 10 men.Hoffenheim seized the opportunity, piling on the pressure and creating several chances. With time running out, Marius Buelter's cross found Kramaric, who slotted home the equalizer in the final minute of regulation time.The late goal denied Leipzig third place in the Bundesliga standings, with Marco Rose's side now one point behind Stuttgart. However, Leipzig remain in contention for a Champions League spot, having already secured a top-four finish.Despite the disappointment, Leipzig sporting director Rouven Schroeder acknowledged the team's progress. "It's a pity when a goal comes so late," he said. "It's a deserved draw, but we've still got a chance for third place."Hoffenheim's point moved them up to seventh place, keeping their hopes of European football next season alive. The club last qualified for European competition in 2019.The Bundesliga's strong performances in European competitions this season have earned Germany an additional Champions League spot, meaning Leipzig will join Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayer Leverkusen in the tournament next season.