Portugal's goalkeeper Diogo Costa delivered a masterclass performance against Slovenia on Monday, saving three penalties to secure his team's place in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. After a goalless draw in 120 minutes, Costa's heroics in the shoot-out earned Portugal a 3-0 victory in Frankfurt.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who had earlier missed a penalty in extra time, redeemed himself by converting in the shoot-out, alongside Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva. Portugal will now face France in the last eight on Friday.

Costa, at just 24 years old, was pivotal in the match, making a crucial one-on-one save with his foot during extra time when Slovenia's Benjamin Sesko threatened to score following a defensive error. Reflecting on his performance, Costa said, "I think this is probably the best game of my life, maybe the game I was most useful in."

Costa explained his strategy during the shoot-out, "I just went with my gut. Of course, we analyzed the shooters, but players change their minds, and they change the way they shoot. I am very, very happy, and I am very excited to help the team."

He also recounted his decisive save against Sesko, "I thought 'I need to stop this, I'll give it my best effort.' I tried to read his body language and thankfully I managed to help the team, which was the key thing."

Costa praised Ronaldo's resilience after his penalty miss, "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. We need to believe in ourselves and that's what we did. And now we're all very happy and all friends."

Portugal's coach Roberto Martinez highlighted Ronaldo's emotional reaction as a testament to his commitment and passion, even in his sixth European Championship. "Those emotions are incredible for someone who has done so much. That's why I thank him. Only the penalty takers can miss penalties," said Martinez. "I was certain he had to be the first taker in the shoot-out to show us our way to victory. Everyone is very proud of our captain. He gives us all a lesson, to have real high standards and never give up."

Martinez also lauded Costa, calling him a "very well-kept secret in Portuguese football." He added, "I've worked with a lot of goalkeepers and he's up there with the best. His maturity, his experience, and we now get to benefit from his performances."

Portugal's victory sets the stage for an exciting quarter-final clash against France, with Costa's standout performance boosting the team's confidence as they advance in the tournament.