Diogo Costa, the unexpected champion of Portugal in the historical penalty shootout

Diogo Costa, The unexpected Portuguese escape in this European Cup, She was born in Switzerland. In rotherst, be specific. A small town with only 7,500 inhabitants. At the age of seven he was already on Portuguese soil and now, at the age of 24, he is the champion of all Portugal. He took a saving foot against Cisco in bruga and Equalized three penalties in the shootout. All those launched by Slovenes, in fact. No one at the European Championship stopped three penalties in a penalty shootout.

He was obviously chosen the best player of the match against Slovenia. “He starred in many wonderful moments. In addition to making an unprecedented three saves in the penalty shootout, he made a great save against Cisco in overtime. He showed a high level of concentration throughout the match, the mark of a high-level goalkeeper in major competitions.”, Analysis of the UEFA technical observer team.

But this comes from afar. The Porto midfielder set a new record in 2022 when he became the goalkeeper who stopped the most penalties (3) in the same edition of the Champions League. It is, in fact, the goal with the most penalties stopped in the Champions League with the ‘Dragon’. I expect it to continue in the unknown north of Portugal. He has a contract until 2027 but he has been screaming for years to go to the big one in Europe. National Team Championship this is the interface I need.

He is a star, he will be a great goalkeeper

Iker Casillas

“He is a star, he will be a great goalkeeper,” Iker Casillas himself predicted in the past. Lopetegui’s technical team discovered his talent and bet on bringing him to training – although he did not make his debut – with the first team. “I was very young. He was 15-16 years old. We relied on Casillas, but Julen liked him. There was a lot of confidence in him at the club,” Juan Carlos arvalho, then Porto’s goalkeeping coach, recalls to Marca.

I was very young. He was 15-16 years old. We relied on Casillas, but Julen liked him. At the club there was a lot of faith put in to

Juan Carlos arvalho, former Porto goalkeeper coach

“These are the most difficult matches because it’s been a long time since I’ve played football. I was focused on taking advantage of the opportunity when it arose. I spent all my energy on this. Above all, I am very happy that I am able to help the team and I want to dedicate this match to my family, who support me. It is an additional motivation. For my part, I never miss work. I kill myself, I work and believe in myself. That’s right, (it was one of the happiest matches in my career). It was the game where I was able to help my team and that’s what I’m focusing on. Work compensates for everything. It’s family, work and a lot of dedication day to day. In this match I follow my instinct, I think I should do it and thank God. I am very glad that I am able to help the team, and this is what interests me the most,” Diogo Costa declared himself at the end of the match.

For my part, I never miss work. I kill myself, I work and believe in myself

Diogo Costa

Regarding his fame as a ‘parapenaltis’ (a certainty, in fact), arvalo comments: “He is a specialist and very calm. The confidence she has in herself is amazing.” At the age of 24, Diogo Costa was called up to make history and set very high records with the Portuguese national team. He has amassed 154 official caps for Porto and 26 international caps with his country’s selection.