Diogo Costa's heroics send Portugal to Euro 2024 quarterfinals despite Cristiano Ronaldo penalty miss

Costa saves three in historic shootout performance against Slovenia.

Following a thrilling goalless stalemate with Slovenia, Diogo Costa saved three penalties in the shootout to advance Portugal to the quarterfinals of Euro 2024.

After watching Jan Oblak stop a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo, Costa scored on his spot-kick in the shootout, while Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva also found the target.

The Selecao custodian Costa, who became the first in the history of the competition to save three penalty kicks in a shoot-out, was unquestionably the hero.

Portugal advanced over the unlucky team and will face France in a thrilling quarterfinal on Friday.

Portugal had few early opportunities thanks to the underdog Slovenians’ customary conservative start, with Ruben Dias scuffing one wide following an embarrassing stumble on the Frankfurt turf.

The Selecao then tried to step it up, with both Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes just inches short of finishing a cross from Bernardo Silva.

Ronaldo, who is still yet to score in the tournament, was getting more and more frustrated as the half went on. He witnessed a free kick go barely over the bar and then missed another header opportunity.

Benjamin Sesko, the team’s star striker, was the first to put Diogo Costa’s gloves to the test, but his strong long-range attempt on the break was easily stopped by the Portuguese custodian.

Before the break, Portugal came closest, thanks to some excellent work from Rafael Leao on the left, which let Joao Palhinha shoot just wide of the post.

In extra time, Portugal finally received the clear-cut opportunity they had been waiting for—a penalty kick—after a strong run by replacement Diogo Jota was brought down by Vanja Drkusic.

Ronaldo stepped up. However, Oblak did it once more as the Atletico Madrid custodian produced an incredible save to deny the former Real Madrid star.

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