Euro 2024: Conceição nets late as Portugal beat Czechia 2-1

0:46

Roberto Martinez defends Cristiano Ronaldo selection at age 39

Portugal manager says Cristiano Ronaldo is in the Portugal team "on merit" amid criticism of his age and playing in the Saudi Pro League.

Updated: Jun 18, 2024, 05:20 pm

A late goal by Portugal substitute Francisco Conceição secured a 2-1 victory over Czechia in their opening Group F game at Euro 2024, where they also needed an own goal as they came from behind to snatch victory.

Portugal dominated possession and had the lion's share of the chances but it was the Czech's who took the lead in the 62nd minute when Lukas Provod whipped a stunning strike into the far corner.

Seven minutes later Portugal were level when Czech goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek pushed away a header from Nuno Mendes but only as far as the leg of Robin Hranac and the ball ricocheted into the defender's own net.

The game was in added time when Conceição tapped in from close range after a defensive mistake from Hranac to give Portugal the win.