Berlin, July 2 (Reporter) Portugal's journey in Euro 2024 took a dramatic turn as goalkeeper Diogo Costa emerged as the unyielding hero in a tense encounter against Slovenia. In a match defined by resilience and high stakes, Costa's excepional performance in the penalty shootout secured Portugal's advancement to the quarterfinals. From the outset at Frankfurt's Deutsche-Bank-Park, Portugal dominated possession and created numerous scoring opportunities, but the breakthrough remained elusive against Slovenia's steadfast defense. Despite the efforts of stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, who came close on multiple occasions, the match remained deadlocked after extra time. The pivotal moment arrived in the penalty shootout, where Costa's agility and composure shone brightly. He thwarted three successive penalties from Slovenia's Josip Ilicic, Jure Balkovec, and Benjamin Verbic, showcasing remarkable reflexes and nerves of steel under immense pressure. Ronaldo, who eventually found the net from the spot, lauded Costa's contributions, acknowledging the goalkeeper's pivotal role in Portugal's hard-fought victory. With this triumph, Portugal now braces for a showdown against France in the quarterfinals, promising another thrilling chapter in their quest for Euro 2024 glory. Costa's heroics not only secured Portugal's passage but also etched his name into the annals of Euro history, underscoring his invaluable presence as a formidable last line of defense for the Portuguese squad. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will remain on Costa and his teammates as they navigate the challenges ahead in pursuit of European football's ultimate prize...////...