Goalkeeper Diogo Costa said he had the best game of his life against Slovenia as he saved three penalties to send Portugal into the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.
After a goalless draw over 120 minutes of the last-16 clash in Frankfurt, Costa produced three saves to thwart Slovenia's penalty takers as Portugal claimed a 3-0 shootout win.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed a penalty in extra-time, converted in the shootout along with Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva for Portugal, who face France on Friday in the last eight.
Costa, 24, also made a vital one-on-one save with his foot in the second period of extra-time when Slovenia's Benjamin Sesko bore down on his goal following a defensive error.
"This is probably the best game of my life, maybe the game I was most useful in," Costa said.
"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 had to go with my gut, that's what I felt. I am very, very happy to help the team."
Costa said he tried to anticipate what Sesko was going to do for his crucial save near the end of extra-time.
He was also pleased the 39-year-old Ronaldo dusted himself down and scored after his 105th-minute penalty miss that left the superstar striker in tears. "We all felt we needed to keep believing ... Everybody makes mistakes, but the most important thing is what we do after these mistakes," added Costa.
Coach Roberto Martinez said Ronaldo's emotions showed how much he still cared in his sixth European Championship, despite a long and illustrious career.
"Those emotions are incredible for someone who has done so much, that's why I thank him," said Martinez. "I was certain he had to be the first taker [in the shootout] and show us our way to the victory. He gives us all a lesson, to have real high standards and never give up."
Martinez also hailed Costa, saying the shot-stopper is a "very well kept secret in Portuguese football."
"I've worked with a lot of goalkeepers and he's up there with the best," said Martinez. "[The key is] his maturity, his experience."
Slovenia boss Matjaz Kek hopes his side's run to the last 16 will be the launching pad for future success. "I think we have exceeded expectations," he said. "The players are disciplined, motivated and aggressive ... they have quality."
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Diogo Costa saved three penalties. XINHUA
