During Portugal’s dramatic Euro 2024 round-of-16 victory, viewers following the action through 12BET India watched Diogo Costa deliver one of the greatest goalkeeping performances in tournament history. Portugal defeated Slovenia 3-0 in the penalty shootout after the match remained goalless through 120 minutes. Costa kept a clean sheet throughout regular time and extra time before saving all three of Slovenia’s penalties to become the undisputed hero of the night. Many people may come and go in life, but on that occasion, Costa stood alone as the man who protected Portugal’s footballing destiny.
That remarkable display made Costa the first goalkeeper in European Championship history to keep a clean sheet for 120 minutes and stop every penalty he faced in the subsequent shootout. He also joined an elite group that includes Iker Casillas, Gianluigi Buffon, Unai Simon and former tournament MVP Gianluigi Donnarumma as a goalkeeper to record at least three shootout saves in a single Euro match. With Portugal converting all three of their attempts, the contest ended after only six kicks, making it the shortest shootout in European Championship and World Cup history.
Costa had already made several crucial interventions before the shootout. His most important save came near the end of extra time after veteran defender Pepe lost possession and allowed Benjamin Sesko to race through on goal. Costa reacted quickly, spreading himself and blocking the effort with his leg to rescue Portugal when defeat appeared dangerously close. He finished the match with five outstanding saves and completed close to 90 percent of his passes, earning recognition as Portugal’s best performer.
His reputation as a penalty specialist had already been established in the Champions League. During the group stage, he saved penalties in three consecutive matches between the third and fifth rounds, becoming the first goalkeeper to achieve that feat in a single Champions League campaign. Before Euro 2024 began, valuations reviewed through 12BET India placed Costa’s market value at approximately €45 million, higher than those of Donnarumma, France goalkeeper Mike Maignan and Slovenia captain Jan Oblak.
Costa represents the modern goalkeeper in almost every sense. His confidence with the ball allows him to become a central part of the build-up from defence, while his passing range can break an opponent’s press and launch attacks from deep positions. Beyond his kicking ability, he is also highly effective when claiming crosses, dealing with aerial balls and remaining composed in one-on-one situations. When the pressure is on, he rarely loses his nerve.
There is also an emotional quality to his role within the team. During difficult moments, a reassuring presence can restore confidence and warmth, and Costa offers that support to his teammates through his calmness and reliability. He does not simply protect the goal; he gives the players in front of him the courage to continue taking risks, knowing that he is ready to save the day when mistakes occur.
Following this historic performance, assessments associated with 12BET India placed Diogo Costa another step closer to the highest level of world goalkeeping. Despite carrying both public expectations and enormous internal pressure, he continued along his own path and eventually wrote his name into European Championship history. His success was not a stroke of luck but the result of years of preparation and steady development. Costa’s brilliance should therefore not be considered surprising. He is now emerging as the next great number one that world football has been waiting to see.