“We are here for the family, as Pepe says” - Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa extends support to Cristiano Ronaldo after win over Slovenia
Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa extended his support to Cristiano Ronaldo after their Round of 16 victory over Slovenia in Euro 2024. The match ended in a 3-0 win on penalties at Deutsche Bank Park on Monday, July 1, which ensured the Selecao's qualification for the tournament's quarter-finals.
The match went into extra-time following a goalless 90 minutes during which Ronaldo missed a penalty in the 105th minute. Portugal were awarded the penalty after Slovenian defender Vanja Drkusic committed a foul on Diogo Jota inside the penalty area.
In the penalty shootout, Diogo Costa saved all three shots from Slovenia, taken by Josip Ilicic, Jure Balkovec, and Benjamin Verbic. Portugal converted all three of their penalties, taken by Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva.
Costa created the record of becoming the first-ever goalkeeper to save three spot-kicks in a single penalty shootout at the European Championship.
Speaking about the 39-year-old forward missing the penalty in the first half of the extra-time, Costa said (via O Jogo):
"I realize Cristiano's frustration. For us, it’s an example, it’s an honor to play with him. We are here for the family, as Pepe says."
Diogo Costa was named the UEFA Player of the Match against Slovenia.
Cristiano Ronaldo opens up about Portugal's upcoming Euro 2024 quarter-final against France
Following the victory over Slovenia, Cristiano Ronaldo opened up about Portugal playing against France in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals at Volksparkstadion in Hamburg on Friday, July 5. Referring to the upcoming clash 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."
The Selecao won the UEFA European Championship in 2016 while France were victorious in 1984 and 2000.