Following the “Game of His Life” against Slovenia, Portugal’s keeper, Diogo Costa, defends Cristiano Ronaldo.

Costa, the custodian for FC Porto, made three successive saves to prevent Slovenia’s three shooters, securing a 3-0 shootout victory for his team.

Diogo Costa, the goalkeeper for Portugal, claimed that he had the most memorable game of his life against Slovenia on Monday. He saved three penalties, which secured his team’s spot in the quarterfinals of the Euro 2024 tournament. Porto’s custodian, Costa, made three saves to prevent Slovenia’s three shooters from scoring during the 120-minute last 16 match in Frankfurt, resulting in a 3-0 shootout victory for his team. Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed a penalty in extra time, scored in the shoot-out for Portugal, which will face France in the last eight on Friday.

In the second period of extra-time, the 24-year-old also executed a critical one-on-one save with his foot when Slovenia’s Benjamin Sesko pursued his goal as a result of a defensive error.

“I think this is probably the best game of my life, maybe the game I was most useful in,” Costa indicated to reporters.

“I simply followed my instincts; we conducted an analysis of the shooters, but players alter their minds and alter their shooting techniques.”

“I felt compelled to act in accordance with my instincts.” I am exceedingly pleased and eager to contribute to the team.

Costa stated that he endeavoured to predict Sesko’s actions for his critical save at the conclusion of extra time.

“I thought ‘I need to stop this, I’ll give it my best effort’,” according to him.

“I tried to read his body language and thankfully I managed to help the team, which was the key thing.”

Costa expressed satisfaction. Ronaldo rebounded from his missed penalty in the 105th minute, which resulted in him in tears, and scored.

“We all felt we needed to keep believing — myself and Cristiano, everybody makes mistakes, but the most important thing is what we do after these mistakes,” said Costa.

“We must have faith in our abilities, and that is precisely what we did.” We are all extremely content and close companions at this time.

Roberto Martinez, the coach of the Selecao, stated that Ronaldo’s sentiments demonstrated his continued concern for the European Championship in his sixth appearance, despite his extensive and distinguished 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,” Martinez asserted.

“I was certain that he would be the first to take the shot in the shoot-out and guide us to the victory.”

“Our captain is a subject of great pride for all.” He teaches us to maintain a high standard and never give up.

Martinez also praised Costa, stating that the shot-stopper is “very well kept secret in Portuguese football.”

“I’ve worked with a lot of goalkeepers and he’s up there with the best,” according to Martinez.

“(The key is) his maturity, his experience, and we now get to benefit from his performances.”