Portugal mounted a comeback to earn a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in their Euro 2024 Group F opener on Tuesday, June 18th, at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig.
Portugal, who were one of the pre-tournament favourites, looked to be heading for a shock defeat when Lukas Provod gave the Czechs a surprise lead midway through the second half.
However, the 2016 champions quickly drew level through an own goal from Robin Hranac, and substitute Francisco Conceicao then dramatically struck the winner in stoppage time to seal the three points for Roberto Martinez’s side.
Portugal dominated possession and territory throughout the first half, with Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo both coming close to breaking the deadlock, but the Czech defence stood firm, ensuring that the first half ended 0-0.
In the second half, Provod fired the Czechs into an unexpected lead in the 62nd minute, curling the ball beautifully into the far corner.
The lead was short-lived though, as Portugal levelled the scores just seven minutes later. Nuno Mendes’ header across the goal was pushed by Hranac into his own net, much to the relief of the Portuguese players and fans.
Martinez’s men continued to press for the winner, with Bernardo Silva and Vitinha both testing Jindrich Stanek in the Czech goal, but to no success.
Just when it looked like the game was heading for a draw, Conceicao struck the decisive blow, slamming home after Hranac failed to clear a low cross in the 92nd minute, sending the Portugal fans and players into massive jubilations.
The dramatic late victory will ease the pressure on Portugal, who will face Group F opponents and leaders Turkey on Saturday, June 22nd, in a highly-contested match that will kick off at 7 pm and will be live on NBS Sport.
For the Czech Republic, the defeat means they must now be more expressive offensively against Georgia on the same day if they are to have any chance of progressing from this challenging group.
