Conceição Strikes Late as Portugal Edges Past Czech Republic.
Francisco Conceição netted a last-gasp winner as Portugal came from behind to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 in their UEFA Euro 2024 Group F opener in Leipzig, marking only their second win in seven group stage attempts at this competition.
Portugal, among the pre-tournament favourites, faced a Czech team that had lost just one of their previous 14 matches. Roberto Martinez’s men were left frustrated for much of the first half, reduced to long-range efforts from Nuno Mendes and Bruno Fernandes that failed to trouble the Czech goalkeeper, Jindřich Staněk.
As half-time approached, Portugal began to create more clear-cut opportunities. Rafael Leão narrowly missed connecting with Fernandes’ low cross after a swift counterattack, and Staněk made two crucial saves from Cristiano Ronaldo, who was making his record-extending 27th appearance at a European Championship. Despite Portugal’s pressure, the Czech defence held firm, going into the break level, with Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa largely untested.
After the interval, Portugal continued to dominate. Diogo Dalot and Bernardo Silva both missed the target, and Staněk parried away a Ronaldo free-kick. The Czech Republic, posing little attacking threat, stunned Portugal in the 62nd minute when Lukáš Provod curled a beautiful first-time strike into the far corner, their first shot on target.
However, their lead lasted less than ten minutes. Portugal equalised in fortuitous fashion when Robin Hranáč inadvertently put the ball into his own net after Staněk’s save deflected off his feet. Portugal piled on the pressure, with Silva and Vitinha testing Staněk further. Diogo Jota thought he had clinched the win with a header, only for it to be ruled out for offside in the build-up.
Conceição emerged as the hero in the dying moments, capitalising on a defensive error from Hranáč to slam home the winner after a low cross was not cleared. This dramatic victory eases the pressure on Portugal, who were deserved winners, while the Czech Republic must now be more aggressive offensively in their next match against Georgia on Saturday if they hope to progress from the group.
