Roberto Martinez hailed Diogo Costa as ‘the most hidden secret in European football’ after Portugal’s shootout victory over Slovenia at Euro 2024.
Costa was Portugal’s saviour in Portugal’s last-16 tie on Monday evening as he became the first goalkeeper in the history of the tournament to save three penalties in a shootout.
The Porto goalkeeper also produced a brilliant one-on-one save to deny Benjamin Sesko a goal for Slovenia in the final few minutes of extra time.
Speaking after his side’s win on penalties, Portugal head coach Martinez said: ‘I think Portugal’s secret is Diogo Costa. Diogo Costa is the most hidden secret in European football and today he showed up.
‘Today I think he reached a completely different level. The one-on-one situation was incredible. Then he had the focus to make three consecutive saves. We have to be very proud of him.’
Martinez also hailed the courage of Cristiano Ronaldo, who was reduced to tears after his penalty was saved by Jan Oblak in the first half of extra time.
The 39-year-old then stepped up as Portugal’s first taker in the shootout and managed to beat Oblak with an effort into the opposite corner.
PORTUGAL’S ROUTE TO Euro 2024 FINAL
QUARTER FINAL – July 5 at 8pm
Portugal vs France
SEMI FINAL – July 9 at 8pm
Portugal vs Spain or Germany
FINAL – July 14 at 8pm
Portugal vs England, Switzerland, Austria, Turkey, Romania or Netherlands
‘I think we all felt very proud of our captain. The dressing room was delighted with what he’s doing. I think he gave us all a lesson, that you need to live every day as if it’s the last one.