LEIPZIG, Germany — Francisco Conceicao came off the bench to grab a predatory stoppage-time winner as Portugal kick-started their Euro 2024 campaign with an edgy 2-1 Group F win over a dogged but cautious Czech Republic side in a tight contest on Tuesday.
Mr. Conceicao, who was brought on in the 90th minute, pounced on a mistake by Robin Hranac to fire home from close range in the third minute of added time soon after Portugal were crestfallen when Diogo Jota’s effort was ruled out by VAR for offside.
The Czechs had stunned the Portuguese fans packed inside the Leipzig Stadium when they took the lead out of the blue in the 62nd minute as Lukas Provod’s superb curling effort threatened to cause an almighty upset.
Yet unfortunate defender Hranac scored an own goal seven minutes later to set up a frantic finish that saw Portugal claim the three points to leave them level in the group with Turkey who beat Georgia 3-1 earlier on Tuesday.
With 41-year-old Pepe, who became the oldest player in Euros history, at center back, and Cristiano Ronaldo, 39 and playing at a record sixth Euros, up front, Portugal banked on experience against a Czech side with the youngest squad in the tournament.
The match was meant to be a walk in the park for the highly fancied Portuguese, who came into the tournament on the back of a flawless qualifying campaign in which they won all 10 matches, scoring 36 goals and conceding twice.
But as is so often the way in major tournaments the script needed a hasty rewrite.
While Portugal predictably dominated the ball, with 70% possession, 19 shots and 13 corners, the workmanlike Czechs provided an infuriating obstacle for Martinez’s side.
DISCIPLINED CZECHS
Portugal set up camp in Czech territory early on, but they came up against some fierce resistance as Ivan Hasek’s disciplined side kept them mostly at arm’s length.
For all their possession, Portugal’s chances were limited. Rafael Leao was their most creative outlet with his jinking runs down the left flank, although one theatrical dive earned him a first-half booking.
Record breaker Mr. Ronaldo was predictably at the center of most of Portugal’s attacks, although a largely ineffective display will do little to quell the debate about whether he should still be starting for the national team.
He passed up their best chance of the first half when he was played through on goal by Bruno Fernandes only to be thwarted by Jindrich Stanek and had another shot beaten away by the keeper just before the break. — Reuters
