19th June, 2024
Portugal came back from a goal down to beat Czech Republic 2-1 in their opening match at Euro 2024 in Germany.
Despite having an overwhelming possession and several scoring chances, Portugal could not break the resilient defence of the Czech.
As half time approached however, Portugal created more opportunities, with Rafael Leao inches away from getting on the end of Fernandes’ low cross following a quick counterattack, before Jindrich Stanek twice denied strikes from Cristiano Ronaldo, who was making his record-extending 27th appearance at a European Championship.
Czech stood firm defensively to go into the break still on level terms, although they were unable to cause Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa any problems whatsoever.
According to Flashscore, after the interval, Martínez’s outfit remained on top, as Diogo Dalot and Bernardo Silva fired over before Ronaldo saw a free-kick parried to safety.
But it was Czech that scored the opening goal with their first shot on target in the 62nd minute of the encounter.
The lead, though, lasted fewer than 10 minutes as Portugal equalised in fortuitous fashion, with Robin Hranac inadvertently putting the ball into his own net after Stanek pushed the ball into his feet.
Silva and Vitinha tested Stanek further, with the Czech shot-stopper keeping both attempts out. However, after Diogo Jota thought he had clinched the three points with a header before it was ruled out for a Ronaldo offside in the build-up, Francisco Conceicao was instead the hero of the hour.
He slammed in after Hranac failed to clear a low cross. The dramatic victory released the pressure on Portugal, who were deserved winners.
