Cristiano Ronaldo embracing Portugal keeper Diogo Costa after a match-winning performance (X)
Slovenia came up with a golden chance moments before half-time when RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko had a crack at goal from the edge of the box.
It was arguably the game of the EURO 2024 so far. Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was in tears mid-game after missing the all-important penalty, which could have easily taken his side to the quarter-finals.
However, it was a night when Portugal got a new hero, Diego Costa.
The Portuguese goalkeeper first saved a one-on-one attempt by Slovenia’s Benjamin Šeško and then stood like a wall during the penalty shoot-out.
But that wasn’t the only time Costa was on song at the Frankfurt Arena. Slovenia came up with a golden chance moments before half-time when RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko had a crack at goal from the edge of the box. But the Porto shot-stopper pulled off a vital save to deny Slovenia a chance to claim a lead in the round of 16 tie.
The official handle of the UEFA Euro 2024 shared a video, highlighting Costa’s genius, on X (formerly Twitter). “That save in extra time! A heroic performance from Diogo Costa,” read the post shared on X.
While recalling his vital save during the final phase of the extra time, Diogo Costa said, “I thought ‘I need to stop this, I’ll give it my best effort.’ I tried to read his body language and thankfully I managed to help the team, which was the key thing.”
Following a bad miss on a possible game-winning penalty in extra time, a weeping Cristiano Ronaldo regained his composure in time for the final penalty shoot-out that ensued after extra-time and got a measure of revenge as he scored the opening kick to put Portugal on course for victory.
Then, followed redemption in its finest form as three penalty saves from Portugal keeper Diogo Costa ensued.
At the tie-breaker, Slovenia went first but Josip Ilicic’s attempt was saved by Diogo Costa. Slovenia’s second try from Jure Balkovec was again efficiently saved by Costa. The Portuguese goalkeeper continued his brilliance and made a third consecutive penalty save from Benjamin Verbic.
The defeat at the hands of Portugal resulted in Slovenia’s Euro 2024 elimination having played out four draws in the competition. Meanwhile, the Portuguese football team will be up against France in the quarterfinals on July 6.
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