Aoba Tanaka 
In a dramatic opening match of Euro 2024, Portugal secured a last-gasp 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in Leipzig, thanks to a late winner from substitute Francisco Conceicao. The Selecao, led by a misfiring Cristiano Ronaldo, struggled throughout the game but were bailed out by Conceicao’s heroics in the dying moments.
For much of the match, it seemed Portugal were destined for a frustrating evening. Ronaldo, the team’s iconic captain, missed two clear opportunities in the first half, failing to capitalize on promising chances. The Czech Republic, despite being under pressure, managed to take the lead against the run of play with a stunning long-range effort from Lukas Provod, leaving Portuguese fans in despair.
Portugal’s equalizer came in a rather fortuitous manner. A farcical own goal by Czech defender Robin Hrnac, following a mistake by his goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek, leveled the score. Stanek’s attempt to push a weak header clear resulted in the ball ricocheting into his own net, providing Portugal with a much-needed lifeline.
Ronaldo’s frustrating night continued when he was marginally offside before his header hit the post, with Diogo Jota poised to nod home the rebound. The goal was disallowed, keeping the match delicately poised at 1-1.
As the game entered injury time, Portugal’s manager Roberto Martinez’s decision to introduce Francisco Conceicao paid off spectacularly. Conceicao, combining with fellow substitute Pedro Neto, slotted home a deflected cross to clinch a dramatic late winner for Portugal. The goal ensured an unimpressive Portugal side escaped with a 2-1 victory, much to the relief of their supporters.
Portugal’s next challenge will be against tougher opponents, and they’ll need their captain back to his best. But for now, the Selecao can celebrate a hard-fought victory and look ahead with confidence.
#portugal #football #ronaldo #francisco #sportznews #newssportz #footballnews #news #euro
