Euro 2024 Thriller: Francisco Conceicao Steals Late Win for Portugal

 

What a way to get their Euro 2024 campaign off to a flyer—youngster Francisco Conceicao became Portugal's hero as he secured a dramatic 2-1 win over Czech Republic, netting a late winner only seconds after coming on as a substitute. The 21-year-old Porto winger took advantage of a defensive error by the Czechs, grabbing on to a loose ball to complete the comeback for Portugal in Group F.

The Czech Republic had earlier led, against the run of play, via a precise strike from outside the box by Lukas Provod. However, Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal came clawing back from there, with an own goal by Robin Hranac leveling things at 1-1, and then Conceicao's decisive intervention sealed the deal deep in stoppage time.

Ronaldo, featuring in a record-extending sixth appearance in the European Championship, fashioned enough amount of opportunities but was foiled time and again by a stubborn Stanek. The Portuguese talisman saw even a goal ruled out for offside in a tension-laaden game where Portugal failed to hit the rhythm.

Reflecting on that hard-earned win, Portugal midfielder Vitinha praised the composure and fight shown by his team: "Calm, we kept calm, battled for the equalizer, and at all times believed to take the win home. Luckily enough, the substitutes made a needful statement on behalf of the whole team."

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez caused the biggest stir with his teamsheet, starting 41-year-old defender Pepe - the oldest player in Euros history. Despite a nervous opening in Germany, where they claimed their first-ever title in 2016, captain Ronaldo believes his team can get a better result this time around in the competition.

Under new coach Ivan Hasek, the Czech Republic frustrated Martinez's side for large parts of the game. Their midfield general Provod bemoaned throwing in a goal under pressure but realizes Portugal's class in turning the game around. The match epitomizes evergreen influence Ronaldo will bring and the Portuguese way of grinding, as they set what looks to be an exciting campaign ahead in Group F.

It was a game that held in it all the drama and unpredictability one expects from international football, as fans eagerly await another test for Portugal toward their quest to win Euro 2024.