“Costa saved the world from depression”- X reacts as Portugal beat Slovenia on penalties after Cristiano Ronaldo’s missed penalty in extra-time
Fans on social media reacted as Portugal defeated Slovenia 3-0 on penalties after Cristiano Ronaldo missed a spot-kick in extra-time. The Selecao won the Euro 2024 Round of 16 game at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany, on Monday, July 1.
After a goalless 90 minutes, the match went into extra-time, where Ronaldo missed a penalty in the 105th minute. Portugal were awarded the penalty after Slovenian defender Vanja Drkusic committed a foul on Portuguese forward Diogo Jota inside the penalty area.
The clash then went into a penalty shootout following a goalless extra-time. Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa turned out to be the hero as he saved all three shots from Slovenia, taken by Josip Ilicic, Jure Balkovec, and Benjamin Verbic. Portugal, meanwhile, converted all three of their penalties, taken by Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva.
With his incredible performance, Costa became the first-ever goalkeeper to save three spot-kicks in a single penalty shootout at the European Championship. The Selecao have now qualified for the Euro 2024 quarter-finals where they will face France at Volksparkstadion, in Hamburg, Germany, on Friday, July 5.
Fans took to social media to share their opinions on Portugal's win over Slovenia in the Euro 2024 Round of 16. While some fans hailed Diogo Costa, a few commented on Cristiano Ronaldo's performance, while others opined on Slovenia's gameplay.
Here are some of the reactions on X:
One user wrote:
"Diogo Costa saved the world from Depression Ronaldo #Portugal #DiogoCosta HERO"
Another added:
"Diogo Costa 3 Penalties 3 saves Also, saved my Mental HEALTH #Euro2024"
"DIOGO COSTA 😭😭😭 I’ll literally die for you bro I love you so much. Thank you for turning Ronaldo’s tears to Joy ❤️🥹❤️🥹," chimed in another fan.
One account posted:
"Give OBLAK his medals. He literally carried Slovania on his back. Phenomenal performance..Weldone"
Another wrote:
"What a lucky win, Slovenia are a disgrace but Quater finals we'll be there"
One user wrote:
"For us who have been watching Ronaldo since his early days at Manchester United, it's heartbreaking to see the toll that time has taken on him. It's truly a sad sight. But hey, no matter how old he gets, his impact on the world of football remains untouchable."
While another wrote:
"Cristiano Ronaldo couldn’t laugh or smile. 120 minutes of nothing but pain. They can NEVER make me give up on you."
Diogo Costa was named the UEFA Player of the Match against Slovenia.
Cristiano Ronaldo on Portugal's upcoming Euro 2024 quarter-final against France
After the win over Slovenia, Cristiano Ronaldo spoke about Portugal facing France in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. Referring to the upcoming challenge in the tournament as "war", the Selecao captain said (via O Jogo):
"We’re going to have a tough game now against France, which is one of the favorites to win. But we go to war, the team is fine and I will always do my best with this sweater. I missed the penalty but I wanted to be the first to score, because we have to take responsibility. I’ve never been afraid to face things as always."
Portugal have won the UEFA European Championship once in 2016 while France have claimed it twice in 1984 and 2000.