Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa sets new record during penalty shootout win over Slovenia in Euro 2024 Round of 16
Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa set a new record during the penalty shootout win against Slovenia in the Round of 16 of Euro 2024. The match ended in a 3-0 victory on penalties for the Selecao on July 1, at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany.
Following an eventful yet goalless 90 minutes, Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty in the extra time after Slovenian defender Vanja Drkušić committed a foul on Diogo Jota in the penalty area.
After both sides failed to score in extra time, Slovenia's Josip Iličić took the first penalty kick and missed it before Ronaldo successfully netted his attempt.
Jure Balkovec failed to score the second penalty for Slovenia as Diogo Costa made another stunning save. Bruno Fernandes then doubled Portugal's advantage witth a well-taken penalty.
The Portuguese shot-stopper repeated his heroics once again by saving Benjamin Verbič's penalty. Bernardo Silva successfully converted his penalty, ensuring Portugal's qualification to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
With this incredible performance, Costa became the first goalkeeper ever to save three penalties in a single penalty shootout at the European Championship.
Portugal head coach on Diogo Costa after Euro 2024 Round of 16 win
Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez spoke about Costa, whose performance led the Selecao to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. The 50-year-old manager referred to the FC Porto goalkeeper as the "secret" and said:
"I think the secret of Portugal is Diogo Costa. Diogo Costa is the most hidden secret of European football and today appeared. Today I think it has entered a totally different level. The situation in one for one was incredible. Then he had the focus to make three consecutive defenses. We have to be very proud of him."
Costa, who made his senior debut for Portugal in 2021, was named the UEFA Player of the Match against Slovenia. Portugal will face France in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on July 5, at Volksparkstadion, in Hamburg, Germany.