Debutant Francisco Conceição, scores in extra time as Portugal score late in Euro thriller against the Czech Republic.
Roberto Martinez’s side are one of the tournament favourites after winning every game during qualifying, but they left it late to see off their dogged opponents.
UEFA European Championship Group Stage Portugal vs Czechia
Portugal 2 , Czechia 1 at Full time
Key Events – Group F – Tue 18 Jun 2024
Portugal
- R. Hranáč, (69′ og Own Goal 69 minutes)
- Francisco Conceição, (90’+2Goal 90 minutes plus 2)
Czech Republic
- L. Provod, (62’Goal 62 minutes)
Assists
Czech Republic,V. Coufal (62′)
Portugal score late in Euro Thriller as CR7 shows his class
Whatever you do, if Ronaldo plays well or the team plays well. He always finds a chance. He takes care of himself to another level. He needs just one little moment of space to create a chance. His overall play has been much better than the last couple of years. He’s always in front of the defender, he is unique.
Cesc Fabregas Former Spanish midfielder
Portugal vs Czechia Match report
A thrilling game of football The Czech’s showed there resilience and organisation to limit Portugal and take a shock lead with a superb strike by L. Provod in the 62nd minute. But after that everything changed, Portugal made some offensive changes and the up’d the pressure.
Jota a live wire had a goal disallowed and it could have been a night that left the Portuguese frustrated. Cristiano Ronaldo looked a lonely figure up at the top with some poor supply from Bruno Fernandez and Bernardo Silva, who were both wasteful in possession.
The first time Portugal put a good ball in the box CR7 headed it against the post and Jota scored off the rebound. Only for VAR to disallow the gaol. However, that showed Portugal’s strength, give CR7 the supply and he will deliver.
The Czech team were resilient and played well but their hopes of victory were dashed soon after as goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek parried Nuno Mendes’ header and the ball bounced off Robin Hranac and into the back of his own net.
But the Portuguese bench erupted in euphoria and were celebrating a stoppage time when Conceicao struck.
Francisco Conceicao scored just 111 seconds after coming off the bench.
The goal ensured Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo marked his appearance at a record sixth European Championship with a memorable win.