CNN Indonesia
Tuesday, 02 Jul 2024 14:31 WIB
Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa became a hero when he beat Slovenia on penalties in the last 16 of Euro 2024. (REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach)
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Portugal national team goalkeeper Diogo Costa deserves to be awarded man of the match after the match against Slovenia in the round of 16 Euro 2024Tuesday (2/7) early morning WIB at Frankfurt Arena, Germany.
Diogo Costa was the hero in Portugal’s 3-0 (0-0) penalty shootout win over Slovenia. The 24-year-old goalkeeper saved three Slovenian penalties.
On the other hand, three penalty takers Selection of Quinas (nickname of the Portuguese National Team) also managed to complete his task perfectly against the Slovenian goal guarded by Jan Oblak.
Throughout the 120 minutes of play, Diogo Costa also recorded a clean sheet. One of Costa’s brilliant saves was when he thwarted a one-on-one chance from Slovenian player Benjamin Sesko in extra time.
“When I made the save from Sesko in extra time, I thought I had to do it. I read his body language and was able to help the team. It was probably the best game of my life,” said Diogo Costa, as reported by the official Euro 2024 website.
“I focus on doing what I have to do. I do it with my instincts,” continued the FC Porto goalkeeper.
Diogo Costa was able to thwart all kicks from Slovenia’s first three penalty takers, namely Josip Ilicic, Jure Balkovec, and Benjamin Verbic.
“Of course we have analysed the penalty takers, but the players changed and their team (Slovenia) changed the way they shoot,” he said.
Thanks to that phenomenal action, according to Squawka, the 24-year-old goalkeeper became the first player in Euro history to play 120 minutes and appear in a penalty shootout without conceding a single goal during the match.
Diogo Costa is also the first player in Euro history to save three penalties in a penalty shootout.
(head/nv)
2024-07-02 07:31:23
#Diogo #Costas #Words #Portugals #Hero #Euro
