A late goal by Portugal substitute Francisco Conceicao secured a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in their opening Group F game at Euro 2024, where they also needed an own goal as they came from behind to snatch victory.
As Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to feature at a sixth European Championship, Portugal dominated possession and had the lion’s share of the chances but it was the Czech’s who took the lead in the 62nd minute when Lukas Provod whipped a stunning strike into the far corner.
Seven minutes later Portugal were level when Czech goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek pushed away a header from Nuno Mendes but only as far as the leg of Robin Hranac and the ball ricocheted into the defender’s own net. The game was in added time when Conceicao tapped in from close range after a defensive mistake from Hranac to give Portugal the win
Follow all the latest reaction in our live blog below, as well as the news from the day’s other games:
FULL-TIME! Portugal 2-1 Czech Republic
The Czech Republic can take a lot of encouragement from there performance tonight.
They were resolute in defence, with Provod and Soucek putting in a shift in midfield. They were lacking any penetration in attack though.
Unfortunately, the result leaves them in a difficult position in Group F. They’ll likely need at least a draw against Turkey if they’re to make the next round.
Chris Wilson18 June 2024 22:10
FULL-TIME! Portugal 2-1 Czech Republic
Chris Wilson18 June 2024 22:06
FULL-TIME! Portugal 2-1 Czech Republic
So, a potentially vital win for Portugal as they look to secure an easier route through the last 16.
They didn’t play as well as they know they can, but as was the case for England and France, the main thing is to win your first game.
Some encouraging performances from Mendes, Cancelo, Fernandes and Vitinha, while Jota impressed after coming on and the defence was solid overall despite conceding.
Ronaldo, Silva, Leao and Dalot will be a little disappointed with their performances though.
Chris Wilson18 June 2024 22:01
FULL-TIME! Portugal 2-1 Czech Republic
FULL-TIME! And the referee blows the whistle, and Portugal get the late victory! They left it late, but in the end they earn the three points.
They don’t look like favourites after that, but a win is a win in your opening game.
Chris Wilson18 June 2024 21:55
Euro 2024: Portugal 2-1 Czech Republic
We’re past the allotted amount of added time now. Portugal launch it forward in an attempt to waste time.
Chris Wilson18 June 2024 21:53
Euro 2024: Portugal 2-1 Czech Republic
Portugal have some defending to do before the final whistle as Bara clips a ball over the top of the Portugal defence, but the header is looped over the bar!
Chris Wilson18 June 2024 21:52
GOAL! Portugal 2-1 Czech Republic
GOAL! And Portugal have surely won it!
God work from Pedro Neto as he wins the loose ball on the wing and brings it inside. He fizzes a ball across goal and it’s almost blocked, but the defender’s challenge takes all the pace off it and it lands at the feet of Conceicao, who slots it low past Stanek!
Chris Wilson18 June 2024 21:51
Euro 2024: Portugal 1-1 Czech Republic
There’ll be four minutes of added time here.
Chris Wilson18 June 2024 21:49
Euro 2024: Portugal 1-1 Czech Republic
Portugal make two changes as we approach the end of the 90. Vitinha, Cancelo and Mendes come off for Pedro Neto, Francisco Conceicao and Nelson Semedo.
Chris Wilson18 June 2024 21:49
GOAL! Portugal 2-1 Czech Republic
DISALLOWED GOAL! Portugal think they have the lead, but it’s chalked off!
Silva lays it back to Vitinha, who clips another great ball to the far post, and Ronaldo heads it into the ground. It comes back off the post but Jota turns it into an empty net!
Ronaldo looks offside in the replay, and it’s given by VAR!
Chris Wilson18 June 2024 21:47