Leipzig. Francisco Conceição got here off the bench to attain the objective in stoppage time that saved Portugal from a bitter debut within the Euro Cup, profitable 2-1 towards the Czech Republic on Tuesday.
Conceição, who had entered within the ninetieth minute, hammered the ball after Robin Hranac’s defective rebound delivered it to his ft. Within the play, the defender had tried to dam a shot from Pedro Neto, one other participant who got here on instead.
The Porto winger didn’t forgive and despatched the ball near the left put up.
“The gamers who got here off the bench confirmed that the group has many choices,” mentioned coach Roberto Martínez.
Conceição obtained the yellow card for taking off his shirt.
His agonizing objective got here nearly 24 years to the day his father Sérgio scored a hat-trick to oust defending champion Germany from Euro 2000.
Czech goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek had managed to drown out Cristiano Ronaldo’s objective cry on an evening through which the Portuguese attacker made historical past by turning into the primary footballer to play in six editions of the European Championship. The 39-year-old star was left wanting to extend his document of 14 targets within the match, though he prolonged his document of video games performed to 26.
Pepe, a 41-year-old Portuguese defender, grew to become the oldest participant to play on this match, though he had little to do in a duel through which the 2016 champions dominated possession of the ball and monopolized the scoring choices.
“We gained as a result of this group is united. We have now resisted in latest days,” mentioned Spaniard Martínez, who praised his group for responding after discovering themselves at an obstacle.
The Czechs struck first when Lukas Provod went vast within the 62nd. He did so with a saber shot along with his proper foot, near the far put up, after being enabled by Vladimir Coufal.
The Portuguese didn’t surrender and equalized seven minutes later with an personal objective. Stanek saved a header from Nuno Mendes, however the ball bounced off Hranac’s leg and nestled within the backside.
All the things appeared aimed toward sharing factors, however the adjustments ordered by Martínez led to the second objective. Pedro Neto despatched the low cross that Hranac couldn’t stay away from the objective and Conceição didn’t forgive.
“It was very unlucky, however the area was moist and the ball was working very quick. This stuff can occur,” mentioned Czech coach Ivan Hasek. “I’ve to thank my gamers for his or her onerous work. Portugal was higher and deserved to win.”
#agonizing #objective #Portugal #rescues #victory #Euro #Cup #recreation
– 2024-06-22 01:49:41
