If the Portuguese manage the next three steps and become European champions for the second time in history, they will probably build a larger-than-life statue of the 24-year-old Porto goalkeeper. What he demonstrated, Europe does not remember. “These are indescribable emotions. I had to wait for an opportunity, but then I was able to help the team. That’s how things sometimes go in the gate,” he concluded after entering the history books.
Costa also became the first goalkeeper who did not concede even once in 120 minutes of play and the subsequent penalty draw at the Euros. All his predecessors capitulated after keeping a clean sheet.
🚨🥇 UEFA Player of the Match for Portugal vs Slovenia: Diogo Costa.
First goalkeeper ever to save three penalties at the Euros.
Insane save on Benjamin Šeško in extra time.
Portugal’s hero tonight. 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/OFSUnw5JhQ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 1, 2024
Decently. But let’s go in order.
Costa didn’t have anything to poke at for most of the game. The Portuguese held the ball, the tenaciously defending Slovenians rarely threatened. He shone for the first time only in the second half of overtime. Benjamin Šeško beat the experienced Pepe on him all by himself. But Costa reduced his angle brilliantly and didn’t let himself get shot through.
But the Portuguese wizard barely served an aperitif. He saved the appetizer, main course and dessert for the penalty shootout.
The first penalty kick, the experienced Josip Ilčič? Tiger leap to the left and wild celebration. The second attempt from Jure Balkovec’s boot? Robinsonade to the opposite side and another successful intervention. Benjamin Verbič also broke his teeth on Costa in the third series. Since the Portuguese did not make a single mistake, the advancing team was decided.
Costa admitted that he had not studied the shooter. “I just went with my gut feeling,” explained the 24-year-old hero, who of course was declared man of the match by UEFA.
All his teammates took turns in the role of congratulators, not excluding captain Cristiano Ronaldo. It was CR7 who could have decided from the penalty already in extra time, but failed. But the partner with the gloves was able to buy him off.
“Three great saves. I have to smile in front of him,” praised Ronaldo.
“He saved his whole country,” aptly added former Scotland midfielder Pat Nevin.
Even coach Roberto Martínez did not spare his admiration. “Diogo is our secret weapon. We are all incredibly proud of him,” praised the coach of the Portuguese international.
Next up is Ronaldo et al. – so sorry, Costa et al. – opponent from France. Kylian Mbappé and his teammates will probably wish that the duel does not go to penalties this time.
EURO 2024 in Germany
The European Football Championship, which will be played in ten German cities from June 14 to July 14, 2024, has moved into the knockout phase. The Czech national team took fourth place in the basic group and did not advance to the playoffs.
