NEW DELHI: Youngster
Francisco Conceicao
scored a dramatic late winner to secure a 2-1 victory for
Portugal
against the Czech Republic in their opening match of
Euro 2024
Group F on Tuesday.
The 21-year-old Porto player scored from close range after the Czechs failed to clear a cross, completing Portugal's comeback.
The Czech Republic had taken a surprise lead through Lukas Provod's excellent strike from the edge of the box after 60 minutes, despite Portugal's dominance.
However, an own goal by Robin Hranac leveled the score before Conceicao's decisive intervention.
Cristiano Ronaldo
, participating in his record-extending sixth European Championship, was denied by Czech goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek on several occasions.
The 39-year-old striker hit the post with the score tied, and although Diogo Jota nodded in the rebound, the goal was disallowed for offside against Ronaldo.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez selected 41-year-old defender Pepe, who became the oldest player in Euros history, surpassing the record set by Hungary goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly in 2016.
Portugal, the winners of the 2016 tournament, struggled to break down the Czech defense despite their unbeaten qualification campaign and prolific goalscoring.
In coach Ivan Hasek's first competitive game since taking over in January, the Czech Republic largely frustrated Portugal, with Ronaldo and Czech striker Patrik Schick, joint top scorers at Euro 2020, both struggling to make an impact.
Jota thought he had scored a last-gasp winner after Ronaldo's header hit the woodwork, but VAR ruled the veteran forward offside.
Ultimately, it was Conceicao's late goal that secured the three points for Portugal, putting them level with Turkey at the top of Group F.
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