(Leipzig) Substitute Francisco Conceição scored in second-half stoppage time to give Portugal a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in one of two matches on the Euro 2024 soccer schedule, Tuesday.
Conceição, who only made his debut in the 90e minute, found the back of the net after an attempted block from Robin Hranáč, which fell just in time for the Porto winger.
“The performance of our players who were used as reserves shows that we have several options,” said Portugal coach Roberto Martínez.
Czech Republic goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek beat Cristiano Ronaldo, who became the first player to appear at the European Championship six times. Aged 39, Ronaldo failed to add to his record of 14 goals in his 26e attendance at a tournament match.
Portuguese defender Pepe, 41, became the oldest player to take part in the tournament, but he had little to do as the 2016 champions dominated possession and capitalized on the best chances, during of this group F duel.
However, it was the Czech Republic who scored the first goal, when Lukáš Provod went with a fierce strike at the far post, in the 62nde minute.
Portugal tied the score at 70e minute when Stanek’s save from Nuno Mendes’ header bounced off Hranac’s shin and into the net.
“We won because we are a united group,” said Martínez, who highlighted the brilliance of his team after allowing the first goal. We have become a resilient group in recent days. »