Portugal Beats Slovenia After Penalty Shootout Thriller

2024-07-02

"This is probably the best game of my life," said penalty hero, Diogo Costa, right after an extraordinary night.

Ronaldo faced a pivotal moment in the 105th minute with a penalty that could have sealed Portugal's triumph. Unfortunately, the chance slipped away as Oblak made a crucial save. "A penalty to give the team the lead. I didn't manage it. Oblak made a good save. I have to see the penalty; I don't know if I shot well or badly, but I haven't missed once all year, and when I needed it most, Oblak saved it," Ronaldo reflected, as emotions ran high.

Despite Ronaldo's missed opportunity, Portugal eventually surged to a win after a dramatic penalty shootout, advancing to the quarterfinals with a 3-0 victory. The nation held its breath, but in the end, it was their goalkeeper, Diogo Costa, who stole the show.

Remarkably, Costa etched his name into the annals of history by becoming the first goalkeeper to save three penalties in a shootout during a European Championship match. "I am focused on doing what I had to do. I went with my gut feeling. Of course, we had analysed the penalty-takers, but players change, and they change how they shoot," Costa shared, after his stellar performance.

This Euro 2024 round of 16 clash against Slovenia will be remembered fondly by fans as Portugal celebrated their hard-fought 3-0 victory.