Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa was overwhelmed with emotion after saving all three penalties in a dramatic 3-0 shootout win against Slovenia, securing their place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. The match had remained goalless after extra time, with Costa becoming the first goalkeeper in Euros history to save three penalties and not concede a goal in a shootout. “I think this was the game of my life,” Costa told reporters. “Maybe the game where I was most useful. I am very, very happy, and I am also very excited that I helped the team.”
Costa, the hero of the night, admitted to relying on instinct and attempting to read the body language of the Slovenian penalty takers. “What I thought, I need to stop this – and went with my gut.” Despite the goalless draw after 90 minutes, Portugal had a chance to break the deadlock in the first half of extra time when Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up to take a penalty. However, Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak made a spectacular save, denying the Portuguese captain and leaving Ronaldo visibly distraught.
Costa, who shared a touching moment with his teammate, acknowledged Ronaldo’s frustration, emphasizing his dedication to the game. “Cristiano is the hardest worker. I understand how frustrated he is – he devotes all his time to this.” He went on to highlight the importance of resilience, stating, “We felt that we needed to keep believing. Everybody makes mistakes. But important is what we do after making these mistakes.”
In the end, it was Bernardo Silva who struck the winning penalty for Portugal, sending them through to the quarter-finals where they will face France, who defeated Belgium 1-0 earlier on Monday. The match will take place in Hamburg on Friday.
