Miraculous Save: The Turning Point of the Match

At 114:23 on the clock, Slovenia holds the fate of the game in their hands. With 14 goals under his belt in his inaugural Bundesliga season, Sesko shines as Slovenia's key outfield player. Amidst the red and green-clad Portuguese players, he maneuvers effortlessly, with plenty of room and time. The mighty Portugal side appears to be on the verge of collapse.

Just as Sesko prepares to take the shot, he notices Diogo Costa positioned in the box, adjusts his body, and calmly slots the ball past the goalkeeper on the left...

While Costa has shown signs of unease in major tournament matches for Portugal, notably during the 2022 World Cup, where his errors almost cost his team dearly, he hasn't faced much action in Euro 2024.

In this crucial pre-quarterfinal match, Costa's involvement has been limited to handling a long-range attempt from Sesko and providing cover for his defense occasionally. He has remained relatively untested, a situation that often makes a goalkeeper susceptible to mistakes.

It seems like the end for Portugal, Ronaldo, and Pepe. However, Costa defies expectations by extending his left leg just in time—his body contorted—to make a brilliant save, single-handedly pulling Portugal back from the brink.

Costa's composure in the one-on-one showdown is commendable. Instead of rushing out recklessly, as most keepers would, he retreats into his box, giving Sesko more time to contemplate his move. By maintaining his position and staying alert, Costa forces Sesko to make the first move and showcases his exceptional reflexes. Despite being known for his ball-handling skills, Costa proves his prowess as a shot-stopper.

On any ordinary day, this save alone would be monumental in keeping his team's hopes alive in the tournament and preserving the legacy of their greatest player. Yet, Costa's heroics do not stop there, culminating in a spectacular performance during a penalty shootout.