Diogo Costa makes social media post after heroics for Portugal in penalty shootout win over Slovenia at Euro 2024
Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa has reacted on social media after producing heroics in his country's UEFA Euro 2024 win against Slovenia on Monday (July 1). The Porto man was called into action after his nation's Round-of-16 match went into a penalty shootout following a goalless draw.
During this stage of the match, Costa pulled off three consecutive saves while his teammates netted all three penalties to help Portugal progress (3-0). With his team now in the quarter-finals, the 24-year-old posted pictures from the night and wrote on his X account (formerly Twitter):
"Inexplicable."
The shootout was extremely crucial, particularly after Portugal failed to take the biggest chance of the match during extra time. Cristiano Ronaldo failed to convert from the penalty spot, as Jan Oblak produced a wonderful save in the first half of the additional 30.
However, Ronaldo himself netted his country's first penalty in the shootout. He is still without a goal in the tournament, which could be a slight worry for Martinez and Co. heading into their quarter-final against France (July 5).
On the night, Costa produced three saves in total during the 120 minutes before the shootout and recorded an 84% passing accuracy. To date, he's received 26 caps across competitions for the national team and has kept 14 clean sheets.
Expect him to be between the sticks for his country's quarter-final clash against Les Bleus.
Portugal boss lavishes praise on Diogo Costa after penalty shootout heroics
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has lavished praise on his team's goalkeeper, Diogo Costa, after the latter's brilliant saves in the penalty shootout and during extra time.
The Porto shot-stopper was also called into action in the 115th minute when Benjamin Sesko was through one-on-one. Speaking after the match, Martinez said (via Metro):
"I think our secret is Diogo Costa. Diogo Costa is the most hidden secret in European football and today he showed up.
"Today, I think he reached a completely different level. The one-on-one situation was incredible. Then he had the focus to make three consecutive saves. We have to be very proud of him."
During his club season with Porto, Costa played 45 matches across competitions and kept 17 clean sheets while letting in 38 goals. So far in this tournament, he's let in three goals while managing two clean sheets.