FRANKFURT (AFP) – Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa said he had the best game of his life against Slovenia yesterday as he saved three penalties to send his team into the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.
After a goalless draw over 120 minutes of the last 16 clash in Frankfurt, Porto goalkeeper Costa produced three saves to thwart Slovenia’s three takers as his team claimed a 3-0 shoot-out win.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed a penalty in extra-time, converted in the shoot-out along with Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva for Portugal, who face France on Friday in the last eight.
The 24-year-old also made a vital one-on-one save with his foot in the second period of extra-time when Slovenia’s Benjamin Sesko bore down on his goal following a defensive error.
Costa said he tried to anticipate what Sesko was going to do for his crucial save near the end of extra-time.
Costa was pleased Ronaldo dusted himself down and scored after his 105th-minute penalty miss that left the superstar striker in tears.
Selecao coach Roberto Martinez said Ronaldo’s emotions showed how much he still cared in his sixth European Championship, despite a long and illustrious career. “Those emotions are incredible for someone who has done so much, that’s why I thank him… only the penalty takers can miss penalties,” said Martinez.
“I was certain he had to be the first taker (in the shoot-out) and show us our way to the victory.
“Everyone is very proud of our captain. He gives us all a lesson, to have real high standards and never give up.”
Martinez also hailed Costa, saying the shot-stopper is a “very well kept secret in Portuguese football”.
