Portugal v Czech Republic player ratings: Ronaldo 6, Bernardo Silva 8; Schick 4, Barak 7


Stuart James
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Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal battled back to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 thanks to substitute Francisco Conceicao's late winner in their opening Group F game on Tuesday.

Roberto Martinez's side went a goal down against the run of play after a brilliant strike just after the hour by Czech Republic's Lukas Provod.

Portugal had dominated possession but couldn't find the goal their superiority deserved, with their record scorer Ronaldo going close on several occasions.

The Al Nassr man, who was top scorer in last season's Saudi Pro League, was denied twice in the first half by saves from Czech keeper Jindrich Stanek and the 2016 European champions were caught by a sucker punch when Provod scored with a sweet strike from outside the box on 62 minutes.

Stanek then handed the Portuguese a lifeline when he parried a Nuno Mendes header against defender Robin Hranac and the ball bounced into the back of the net.

Portugal substitute Diogo Jota thought he had grabbed the winner when he pounced to nod home after a powerful Ronaldo header had struck the post but a VAR check ruled that Ronaldo had been offside in the build-up.

It was left to another substitute, Conceicao, to make sure that Ronaldo got his record sixth European Championship campaign off to a winning start as he scored from close range in stoppage time.

Portugal's Spanish coach Martinez said the 21-year-old Porto winger deserved his moment of glory.

"Francisco is the ultimate example of earning it. He deserves to be here and showed he is ready to help the group," Martinez told reporters.

"Francisco is doing what he's been doing for the past four months in his club team. This is not easy. He showed character and showed his worth because he was allowed to be here.

"Francisco is a very mature player. He plays very direct. He's got a nose for danger in the box.

"For a national team coach and having a player that showed what he showed, it's very important."

The former Belgium coach praised his players' attitude in fighting back against a tough Czech team.

"We conceded – a goal down – and managed to win the game," he said. "We lost against Slovenia after conceding the first goal, Croatia the same thing happened [both in friendlies]. Today we conceded and won.

"We all want to grow together during this tournament, we played the perfect 90 minutes to be able to grow – next we face off against Turkey."

Portugal meet Turkey on Saturday, while the Czech Republic face Georgia, who lost 3-1 to the Turks in Tuesday's earlier kick off.

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Company%20Profile
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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
ESSENTIALS

The flights

Emirates flies direct from Dubai to Rio de Janeiro from Dh7,000 return including taxes. Avianca fliles from Rio to Cusco via Lima from $399 (Dhxx) return including taxes. 

The trip

From US$1,830 per deluxe cabin, twin share, for the one-night Spirit of the Water itinerary and US$4,630 per deluxe cabin for the Peruvian Highlands itinerary, inclusive of meals, and beverages. Surcharges apply for some excursions.

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Spare

Profile

Company name: Spare

Started: March 2018

Co-founders: Dalal Alrayes and Saurabh Shah

Based: UAE

Sector: FinTech

Investment: Own savings. Going for first round of fund-raising in March 2019

Visit Abu Dhabi culinary team's top Emirati restaurants in Abu Dhabi

Yadoo’s House Restaurant & Cafe

For the karak and Yoodo's house platter with includes eggs, balaleet, khamir and chebab bread.

Golden Dallah

For the cappuccino, luqaimat and aseeda.

Al Mrzab Restaurant

For the shrimp murabian and Kuwaiti options including Kuwaiti machboos with kebab and spicy sauce.

Al Derwaza

For the fish hubul, regag bread, biryani and special seafood soup. 

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Updated: June 19, 2024, 6:06 AM