Portugal kicks off Euro 2024 with a dramatic victory
Portugal’s Euro 2024 campaign started with a 2-1 win of the most dramatic variety over Czechia this evening in Leipzig, Germany.
Late sub Francisco Conceição was the unlikely hero, scoring the game-winning goal at the 92nd minute, just two minutes after being subbed on along with Pedro Neto, who crossed the ball into the box where Czech defender Robin Hranáč was unable to intercept it, leaving the ball at the mercy of the 21-year-old FC Porto winger.
Portugal ended the match with a whopping 70% of ball possession and controlled the game from the first minute, but struggled to create clear scoring opportunities. With Czechia content to defend with their whole team in their defensive midfield, Roberto Martínez’s men were unable to truly threaten Czech goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek in the first half.
The second half continued along the same lines but took a surprising turn when Czechia midfielder Lukas Provod took advantage of a rare foray into Portugal’s defensive bloc to score a stunner from outside the box at the 62nd minute.
The goal acted as a wake-up call of sorts for Portugal, who equalised just seven minutes later thanks to an own goal courtesy of unlucky Robin Hranáč.
Portugal continued on the attack and celebrated what seemed to be the game-winning goal near the end of regulation time, when a Ronaldo header bounced off the post, with the rebound going to Diogo Jota who did not miss the putback. However, the goal was quickly disallowed by VAR as CR7 was offside at the time of the header.
In a last-ditch attempt to move the needle in Portugal’s favour, Roberto Martínez subbed on Nélson Semedo, Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceição, with the latter two being the difference makers in the end.
With this dramatic victory, Portugal has joined Turkey – who beat Georgia 3-1 earlier today – at the top of Group F, with three points each. Portugal’s next match is scheduled for 5pm on Saturday against Turkey.
