Watch Portugal vs Czech Republic full match replay and highlights.
KICK-OFF at 19:00 (GMT) on 18th June 2024
The referee for this match is M. Guida
Game played at Leipzig Stadium
This is a match in Europe – UEFA European Championship, Group F, Season 2024
Francisco Conceição’s Late Heroics Secure Portugal’s Comeback Win Over Czech Republic in Euro 2024 Opener
Francisco Conceição netted a last-gasp winner as Portugal came from behind to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 in their 2024 UEFA European Championship Group F opener in Leipzig. This victory marked only the second time Portugal has won in seven attempts at the group stage of this competition.
Portugal’s Frustrating First Half
Among the pre-tournament favourites for the trophy, Portugal began their Euro 2024 campaign against a resilient Czech team that had lost just one of their previous 14 matches. Roberto Martínez’s men faced frustration throughout much of the first half, struggling to break down the Czech defense. Reduced to long-range efforts, Nuno Mendes and Bruno Fernandes were unable to find the back of the net in the opening half-hour.
As halftime approached, Portugal started to create more meaningful opportunities. Rafael Leão came close to connecting with Fernandes’ low cross during a quick counterattack, and Cristiano Ronaldo, making his record-extending 27th appearance at a European Championship, had two attempts saved by Czech goalkeeper Jindřich Staněk. Despite these chances, the Czech Republic held firm defensively and went into the break with the score still level, having failed to test Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Second Half Drama and Czech Republic’s Shock Lead
Portugal continued to dominate after the interval, with Diogo Dalot and Bernardo Silva both firing over the bar and Ronaldo seeing a free-kick parried to safety. The Czech Republic posed little attacking threat until the 62nd minute, when they stunned Portugal by taking the lead against the run of play. Lukáš Provod curled a lovely first-time strike into the far corner, marking their first shot on target.
Portugal’s Equalizer and Conceição’s Late Winner
The Czech lead lasted less than 10 minutes. Portugal equalized in a fortuitous manner, with Czech defender Robin Hranáč inadvertently scoring an own goal after Staněk pushed the ball into his feet. The Portuguese side continued to press for a winner, with Silva and Vitinha testing Staněk further.
Portugal thought they had clinched the three points when Diogo Jota scored a header, but it was ruled out for an offside by Ronaldo in the build-up. However, Francisco Conceição emerged as the hero in the dying moments, slamming the ball into the net after Hranáč failed to clear a low cross.
Looking Ahead
This dramatic victory releases the pressure on Portugal, who were deserved winners. They will look to build on this momentum in their next group match. The Czech Republic, despite their resilient performance, must now adopt a more offensive approach against Georgia on Saturday if they hope to progress from the group stage.
