Portugal coach Roberto Martinez hails hero Diogo Costa as his team’s weapon after he saved three penalties to beat Slovenia football team.
Portugal failed to score against Slovenia in regulation time and 30 minutes of extra time. Forcing the game to a penalty shootout where they won 3-0. With Diogo Costa showing his toughness by saving three consecutive Slovenian penalties UFABET
Martinez said of the 24-year-old Porto goalkeeper: “The secret of Portugal is Diogo Costa. He is the most secret weapon in European football.”
“Today he appeared on a different level. He was excellent in one-on-one situations and had the focus. And quality to make three consecutive saves in the penalty shootout. We have to be very proud of him.”
Diogo Costa became the first goalkeeper in European Championship history to save three consecutive penalties in a shootout.
Portugal recently announced the appointment of Martinez. As the new official team manager, becoming the third foreign coach to lead the Portuguese team. Following Otto Gloria and Luiz Felipe Scolari, the two Brazilian coaches.
As for the contract, according to Fabrizio Romano, a famous journalist. Martinez has signed until June 2026, which means he will be in charge of the team in two major tournaments. Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup.
The 49-year-old Martinez has experience coaching the national team, Belgium, from 2016-2022, with their best result being a third-place finish in the 2018 World Cup.