Portugal secures victory with last-minute goal from Conceicao in Euro 2024 opener

LEIPZIG, Germany — Portugal substitute Francisco Conceição scored in stoppage time for a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in their European Championship opening game on Tuesday.

Conceição, who only made his entrance in the 90th minute, fired the ball home in the 92nd after Robin Hranac’s attempted block of Pedro Neto’s shot fell kindly for the Porto winger to shoot inside the left post.

Conceição wheeled away in delight and was booked for taking off his jersey.

It comes almost 24 years to the day since Conceição’s father, Sérgio Conceição, scored a hat trick to knock defending champion Germany out of Euro 2000.

Czech Republic goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek had thwarted Cristiano Ronaldo as the Portugal star became the first to play at six European Championship tournaments. The 39-year-old Ronaldo was unable to add to his record 14 goals in his record-extending 26th appearance at the tournament.

Portugal’s 41-year-old defender Pepe became the oldest player to play at the tournament, though he had little to do as the 2016 champions dominated ball possession and chances.

It came as a shock when Lukas Provod broke the deadlock at the other end with a fierce strike inside the far post after Vladimir Coufal laid the ball back in the 62nd minute.

Portugal drew level in the 70th when Stanek’s save of Nuno Mendes’ header rebounded off Hranac’s shin and in.

Turkey defeated tournament debutant Georgia 3-1 in the other Group F game earlier.

In a thrilling start to their Euro 2024 campaign, Portugal secured a hard-fought victory with a last-minute goal from winger Conceicao in their opening match. The match was a tense and closely contested affair, with both teams showing their quality and determination on the pitch.

Portugal, the defending champions, were expected to put on a strong performance in their first match of the tournament. However, their opponents proved to be a tough challenge, with both teams creating chances and testing each other’s defenses throughout the game.

It was Conceicao who ultimately made the difference for Portugal, as he latched onto a perfectly timed through ball from midfielder Silva and calmly slotted the ball past the opposing goalkeeper in the dying moments of the match. The goal sent the Portuguese fans into raptures and secured a crucial three points for their team in the group stage.

The victory will undoubtedly give Portugal a boost of confidence as they look to defend their title and make a deep run in the tournament. The team will be hoping to build on this positive start and continue their winning momentum in the upcoming matches.

Overall, the match was a thrilling spectacle for fans of both teams, with Portugal ultimately coming out on top thanks to Conceicao’s heroics. The Euro 2024 tournament is off to an exciting start, and football fans around the world will be eagerly anticipating more thrilling moments and dramatic goals as the competition progresses.