In Portugal's match against Slovenia, Diogo Costa was the focus of the game with his outstanding performance. Not only did he save three penalties in a row in the shoot-out, but he also denied a one-on-one kick in extra-time to help Portugal beat Slovenia 3-0 and advance to the quarter-finals.
Diogo Costa's performance not only set a number of records, but also made him the first goalkeeper in European Championship history to keep a clean sheet in regulation time, extra-time and penalty shoot-outs in a single game. In addition, his three consecutive saves in the shoot-out also equalled the record for the most saves by a goalkeeper in European Championship history. These achievements are a testament to his outstanding ability in the goalkeeper position and his important contribution to the team.
After the game, Diogo Costa was voted Man of the Match without any suspense. In the interview, he appeared very modest, saying that he was only part of the team and did not stand out in particular. He said: Some people say that I saved the Portuguese team, but I don't think so, we are a team, I have the same goal as Cristiano Ronaldo, we are both fighting for Portugal!
In the face of praise and praise from the outside world, Diogo Costa is unusually low-key and humble. In an interview, he did not attribute the victory to himself, but emphasized the strength of the team. As veterans such as Cristiano Ronaldo age, the Portuguese team needs more young forces to take over the torch of inheritance. Diogo Costa not only had an excellent performance on the pitch, but also became an important pillar of the team mentally.
Costa is currently valued at €40 million and is the top of the 72 goalkeepers in the 24 teams participating in this tournament. This value reflects his high value and wide recognition in football. Although he plays outside of the top five leagues, he has proven his quality and potential.
Diogo Costa's outstanding performance not only brought victory to the Portuguese team, but also won him numerous accolades personally. His composure and focus were on full display when it mattered most, and he became one of the top goalkeepers in the tournament. His performance was not only a sublimation of his career, but also a huge contribution to Portuguese football.