Cristiano Ronaldo embraced Fernando Conceicao, 21, after the final whistle signalling how important the FC Porto's young striker's late goal was for P
Cristiano Ronaldo embraced Fernando Conceicao, 21, after the final whistle signalling how important the FC Porto’s young striker’s late goal was for Portugal.
The pre-match talk had been all about Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, who was making his 6th European Championship tournament. He made his debut in 2004 when Portugal hosted and finished as runner-up.
Roberto Martinez fielded an attacking side in his 3-5-2 system against the Czech Republic in Leipzig with Ronaldo and Leao leading attack. His side dominated the game right from the onset.
Portugal had 73% possession, and 9 goal attempts with three on target compared to the Czech Republic’s 27% possession, and 1 goal attempt with zero on target. That was a complete dominance from Portugal per the statistics.
Their total control continued in the second half but failed to convert any of their chances. Czech Republic’s 5-3-2 shape was unbelievably kept making things so hard for Portugal.
The best moment for the minnows came when Westham United’s Vladimir Coufal assisted Lukas Provord to open the scoring astonishingly to stun the favourites in the 62nd minute.
In the 67th minute, a cross from Vitinha was headed by Danilo Perreira which resulted in an own goal by Hranac. It was the goal Portugal needed at all costs much to the disappointment of Czech Republic.
Late substitutes Pedro Neto and Fernando Conceicao combined in the 92nd minute to give Portugal the lead. 21-year-old Conceicao removed his uniform after scoring the winner and celebrated passionately exhibiting how important the goal was to him.
It was the start Roberto Martinez needed for his star-studded Portugal.
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