Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa became the first goalkeeper to save three penalties in a penalty shootout. In Monday’s round of 16 game, Portugal failed to score against Slovenia in 90 minutes. Forcing a 30-minute extra time period where the football game went to penalties.
Diogo Costa was Portugal’s hero as he saved three consecutive Slovenian penalties, denying Josip Ilicic, Jure Balkovic and Benjamin Verbic. UFABET While the first three Portuguese players, Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, all found the net.
The 24-year-old Porto goalkeeper became the first goalkeeper in Euro history to save three penalties in a shootout, and saved all three in his first shootout, earning him the undisputed Man of the Match award.
For Diogo Costa, who rose through the Porto youth system before making his senior debut in 2019, he has made 154 appearances, won seven trophies and won 26 caps for his country.
For Portugal, the victory came at a cost. Ronaldo’s missed penalty and continued struggles in front of goal will be a concern. While the team’s overall performance lacked the fluency and dominance expected of a side with their talent. They will thank Diogo Costa for his heroics though.
Nevertheless, Portugal have booked their place in the Quarter-finals. Where they will face a stern test against France, on Friday July 5th, in a match that will be a repeat of the EURO 2016 Final. Which Portugal won in France.