Portugal made a dramatic comeback to beat the Czech Republic with a score of 2-1. The two teams met in a duel on matchday 1 of Group F Euro 2024, Tuesday 18 June 2024.
Played at Leipzig Stadium, this match has been eagerly awaited. Cristiano Ronaldo is the main focus for breaking the record for most appearances in the European Cup final tournament.
Portugal appeared dominant, but the Czech Republic appeared stubborn. The Czechs even took the lead through Luka Provod’s goal in the 62nd minute.
Luckily, Portugal was able to recover for the rest of the match, helped by Robin Hranac’s own goal (69′) until finally Francisco Conceicao scored the winning goal in the 90+2 minute.
This victory took Portugal to second place in Group F of the 2024 European Cup.
The match started with high intensity. Portugal immediately came out to attack, locking in the Czech Republic. In the first 10 minutes, Portugal’s attacks still had no results.
Portugal’s dominance continued for 20 minutes of the match. Cristiano Ronaldo is still the center of the team’s attack. Back passes into the penalty box still haven’t found Ronaldo’s head.
The Czech Republic was still defending very well until 30 minutes of the match had passed. They didn’t attack much, but proved they could appear solid at the back to neutralize Portugal’s threat.
The tempo of the match increased slightly in the final 5 minutes of the first half. Portugal increased the intensity of their attacks, but the score was still 0-0. No goals were scored in the first 45 minutes.
The Czech Republic only recorded 25% possession of the ball in the first half. The match resumed. The Czechs made a number of changes midway through the second half. 60 minutes of the match.
In the 62nd minute, the Czechs made a surprise by scoring the opening goal. Coufal deflected the ball for Provod, finishing with a curling shot into the left side of the goal. Goal! Portugal 0-1 Rep. Czech.
In the 69th minute, Portugal equalized. Vitinha’s cross headed towards the far post, met by a header from Mendes who intended to send the ball back into the middle of the penalty box. The ball was pushed over by the goalkeeper, but instead hit the Czech defender and went into his own net. Goal! Portugal 1-1 Rep. Czech.
A draw score then increased the intensity of the match. Portugal continues to attack the opposing team. Jota even scored a goal in the 87th minute, but the referee disallowed it because VAR proved Ronaldo was in an offside position.
Portugal’s winning goal only arrived in the 90+2 minute. Neto’s pass in the penalty box was continued by Conceicao who was standing in front of the opponent’s goal. Goal! Portugal 2-1 Czech Republic.
