Diogo Costa makes incredible history at Euro 2024

Costa also saved his captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, from the humiliation of nearly costing Portugal an upset loss to Slovenia after the 39-year-old forward missed a penalty kick in extra time. 

After the win, Costa admitted it was the "best game" and the highlight of his young career. When asked if he knew which direction Slovenia's penalty-takers — Josip Ilicic, Jure Balkovec and Benjamin Verbic — were going to shoot, Costa said he trusted in his instincts to pull off three saves.  

"No, we analyzed the penalty-takers, of course, but players are substituted and they also change the way they shoot. I went with my gut," he told reporters. "The important thing is the work you put in and then trusting yourself. I believe in the hard work I do. Work, work, work. That comes first and sometimes you reap the fruits."

The 24-year-old FC Porto star boasts a track record of making history in big moments. During the 2022-23 Champions League, he became the first goalkeeper to save three penalties in a single campaign during the group stages. That feat came just a year after Costa was instrumental in FC Porto setting a new record for the longest undefeated streak in the Portuguese Primeira Liga with 58 matches. 

Costa and Portugal will face France in the quarters on Friday, a rematch of the 2016 Euro finals.