In a thrilling Euro 2024 encounter, Francisco Conceição’s stoppage-time goal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory for Portugal against the Czech Republic. The match began with a stunning opener from Lukas Provod, giving the Czech Republic an early lead. However, an unfortunate own goal by the Czech side leveled the score. Despite missing several chances, Cristiano Ronaldo played a crucial role in Portugal’s relentless pursuit of victory, which was ultimately achieved through Conceição’s decisive late strike.
Report
Porto youngster Conceição, making his first competitive appearance for Portugal, found the net from close range after a low cross from fellow substitute Pedro Neto wasn’t properly cleared by the Czech defense. This decisive goal came in stoppage time, breaking the deadlock and ensuring a victorious start for Portugal.
Earlier in the second half, Czech Republic midfielder Lukas Provod delivered a stunning strike from the edge of the box, capitalizing on Portugal’s missed opportunities. Cristiano Ronaldo, making history as the first player to feature in six European Championships at age 39, was notably wasteful with several chances.
Portugal equalized soon after Provod’s opener under fortuitous circumstances. Czech goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek deflected a Nuno Mendes header into the legs of defender Robin Hranac, resulting in an own goal.
The Czech Republic appeared poised to secure a point when Diogo Jota’s 87th-minute header, following a Ronaldo effort that hit the post, was ruled out for offside after a VAR check. However, with only two minutes of stoppage time left, Neto and Conceição combined to secure the narrow win.
This victory places Portugal, the 2016 European champions and favorites for this year’s tournament, level on points with Turkey, who defeated Georgia 3-1 in the earlier Group F match.
Despite being 39, Ronaldo had Portugal’s best chances. He squandered a one-on-one opportunity from a Bruno Fernandes pass, had a diagonal shot parried in first-half stoppage time, and sent a header bobbling past the post earlier in the game.
Although prolific in qualifying with 10 goals, Ronaldo, now playing in Saudi Arabia, might need some time to regain his sharpness in this tournament. He nearly created a match-winning moment when his header, which rebounded off the post, was steered into the net by Diogo Jota. However, an offside call against him nullified the goal, leaving Portugal’s new generation, with Conceição as the hero, to secure the victory.
Player of the Match – Bernardo Silva (Portugal)
In a game with few standout performers, Bernardo Silva emerged as the player of the match. While Lukas Provod’s stunning goal for the Czech Republic deserved at least a point, Silva’s patience and skill as the link player for Portugal were crucial. He combined particularly well with Vitinha, highlighting areas where Portugal still needs improvement, yet demonstrating his own consistency and influence throughout the match.
PLAYER RATINGS
PORTUGAL: Costa 5, Dias 7, Pepe 6, Mendes 6, Dalot 6, Fernandes 7, Vitinha 6, Cancelo 7, Silva 8, Ronaldo, Leao 7.
Subs: Jota 7, Inacio 6, Semedo 6, Neto 7, Conceicao 7
CZECHIA: Stanek 5, Hranac 5, Krejci 6, Holes 7, Soucek 7, Coufal 5, Doudera 6, Provod 8, Sulc 6, Schick 5, Kuchta 6.
Subs: Chytil 7, Lingr 7, Barak 6, Sevcik 6, Chory 6.