Francisco Conceição emerged as the hero off the bench, securing a dramatic stoppage-time winner to propel Portugal to a tense 2-1 victory over a resilient Czechia in their Euro 2024 Group F opener on Tuesday.
The 21-year-old Conceição capitalized on Robin Hranác’s error, netting from close range in the third minute of added time.
This decisive moment came shortly after Diogo Jota’s goal was disallowed by VAR for offside, leaving Portugal momentarily disheartened.
Czechia stunned the predominantly Portuguese crowd at Leipzig Stadium by taking an unexpected lead in the 62nd minute with Lukás Provod’s exquisite curling shot, threatening a major upset.
However, Hranac’s own goal seven minutes later set the stage for a thrilling finale.
Portugal secured the three points, placing them level with Turkey, who earlier defeated Georgia 3-1.
Porto’s Conceição celebrated his crucial goal by removing his jersey, resulting in a booking.
Remarkably, this moment came nearly 24 years after his father, Sérgio Conceição, scored a hat-trick that eliminated defending champion Germany from Euro 2000.
Despite being favorites and boasting a flawless qualifying campaign with 10 wins, 36 goals scored, and only two conceded, Portugal faced a challenging match against a disciplined Czech side.
Portugal dominated possession early on, camping in Czech territory, but found themselves up against stout resistance from Ivan Hasek’s well-organized team.
Rafael Leão was particularly lively down the left flank, though one theatrical dive earned him a first-half yellow card.
Cristiano Ronaldo, central to Portugal’s attacks, missed their best first-half opportunity when Bruno Fernandes set him up, only for keeper Jindrich Stanek to make a brilliant save.
Stanek also denied Ronaldo again before the break and deflected his header over the bar shortly after the restart.
The Czechs shocked Portugal with a swift counter-attack, culminating in Provod’s stunning goal beyond keeper Diogo Costa.
Portugal’s equalizer came with a stroke of luck when Nuno Mendes’ header, saved by Stanek, deflected off Hranac’s knee into the net.
Ronaldo’s header against the post, followed by Jota’s disallowed goal, seemed to deny Portugal victory. Yet, Hranac’s botched clearance allowed Conceição to pounce and secure the win.
Thus, Francisco Conceição’s late strike ensured Portugal began their Euro 2024 campaign with a hard-fought win.
