Emmanuel Langelier, Media365: Published on Friday, July 5, 2024 at 8:56 AM.
To reach the semi-finals of Euro 2024, France will have to get the best from Diogo Costa, the Portuguese goalkeeper who has become a reference in his position at the age of 24.
France and Portugal, here we go. On Friday, 5 July 2024, the Blues will find one of their 'favourite' enemies in recent years with a place in the last four of the Euros at stake. It is expected that the match will be difficult, close and tense between two strong teams that have not necessarily excelled in the match since the beginning of the competition. Kylian Mbappé will find himself facing off against Cristiano Ronaldo, his youth idol and soon-to-be successor at Real Madrid. The French captain and striker will also have to face Diogo Costa, the last formidable bastion of the Lusitani.
One of the most famous goalkeepers in world football
The 24-year-old Porto goalkeeper made his mark last Monday thanks to a stunning penalty shootout against Slovenia. Costa simply parries the three strikes he faces! Ilicic, Palkovic and Verbeek all saw the goalkeeper going in the right direction to put them in check and take Portugal into the quarter-finals. The selection features a great player who is gradually maturing and using his instincts against the Slovenians. “We always study the opponents but this time I didn't focus so much on analysis and focused on instinct. I can't explain it to you, that's how I felt. Goalkeepers should have that and I'm happy I helped the team,” said the RTP insider. The Seleção with Ricardo, who led the country to the semi-finals of the 2004 European Championship at the expense of England, said: “He gives me all the advice so that I can make the save.” For penalty kicks and helping the team, this is the most important thing.”, before the tournament.
A penalty kick specialist, the unassuming goalkeeper has saved a quarter of the shots he has stopped since the start of his career. A figure the size of Mike Maignan, the French goalkeeper. Costa still has room for improvement and is learning every day. And be careful with the blues, it's not only effective on the “binos”. We still remember his display against Cisco at the end of extra time against the Slovenians… Mbappe, Thuram, Griezmann and Kolo Mwani were booked.
