In their opening Euro 2024 match in Leipzig, Portugal overcame a goal deficit to defeat the Czech Republic thanks to a late goal from Francisco Conceicao.
Having won every game in qualification, Roberto Martinez’s team is among the favourites going into the tournament, but they have to wait until the very end to defeat their tenacious rivals.
Lukas Provod’s whipping goal in the second half of the match startled Portugal, as the Czech Republic had been defending much of the match in their own half.
However, Nuno Mendes’ header was parried by custodian Jindrich Stanek, and the ball deflected off Robin Hranac and into his own net, ending their hopes of victory.
Late in the game, Diogo Jota had a goal disallowed for offside, but Conceicao’s goal in stoppage time left Portugal in high spirits.
Conceicao scored the match winner to guarantee a historic victory to commemorate Ronaldo’s record-breaking sixth European Championship appearance.
Czech Republic’s performance against a tough opponent like Portugal bodes well for their future matches in Group F.
