Euro 2024: Conceicao’s late winner seals Portugal comeback against Czech Republic
Francisco Conceicao scored a dramatic late winner as Portugal fought back from a goal down to defeat the Czech Republic in their Euro 2024 opener in Leipzig.
Despite being tournament favourites under Roberto Martinez and winning every qualifying game, Portugal left it late to secure victory against their resilient opponents.
The Czech Republic, who spent much of the game defending, stunned Portugal when Lukas Provod’s second-half strike found the far corner.
Their lead was short-lived, however, as goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek parried Nuno Mendes’ header, causing the ball to bounce off Robin Hranac and into the back of the net for an own goal. Diogo Jota had a late goal disallowed for offside, but Portugal were celebrating in stoppage time when Conceicao struck.
The goal ensured Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo marked his record sixth European Championship appearance with a memorable win.
Real Madrid youngster Arda Guler scored a stunning goal on his European Championship debut, leading Turkey to a thrilling 3-1 victory over Georgia in Dortmund.
Turkey took the lead in the 25th minute when right-back Mert Muldur unleashed an outrageous volley into the top corner. Georgia responded seven minutes later with Georges Mikautadze scoring their first-ever goal in a major tournament.
The match’s defining moment came in the 65th minute when 19-year-old forward Arda Guler became the third teenager to score on his Euros debut. Guler’s sublime, curling strike from 25 yards out found the top corner, putting Turkey ahead once more.
Georgia, making their Euros debut, showed heart and skill throughout the match. They came close to levelling the score when Kochorashvili missed a significant opportunity, and in a frantic finale, they hit the post and had a goalbound effort blocked in the fifth minute of added time.
In the game’s dying moments, substitute Kerem Akturkoglu sealed Turkey’s success with the last kick, breaking clear and rolling the ball into an empty net. The stadium’s famous yellow wall turned red as Turkish fans celebrated their team’s hard-earned three points.
Turkey will aim for a second consecutive win when they face Portugal on Saturday in Group F, while Georgia will seek their first points against the Czech Republic.
