Portugal superstar Christiano Ronaldo and his men had a late escape against brave Czech Republic in Germany
Just as it seemed Cristiano Ronaldo would be frustrated on his record-breaking appearance in a sixth European Championship tournament, Portugal snatched a late victory against a determined Czech Republic.
Two late substitutes combined for the winner in Leipzig. Pedro Neto cut in on the left and Francisco Conceicao stabbed in after a deflection wrong-footed Czech defender Robin Hranac.
Lukas Provod curled home from the edge of the area just after the hour mark to give the Czechs a shock lead with their only big chance.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Portugal levelled soon after when Nuno Mendes’ header was parried by Czech keeper Jindrich Stanek into the knee of the unfortunate Hranac, from which it rebounded into goal.
After a Diego Jota goal was chalked off for offside it seemed the Czechs would hold out but Conceicao had the last word.
Earlier on Tuesday, Turkey manager Vincenzo Montella toasted the best possible 50th birthday present following a thrilling 3-1 win over tournament debutants Georgia.
Spectacular strikes from Mert Muldur and Arda Guler, either side of Georges Mikautadze’s equaliser, helped settle an engrossing Group F encounter against the tournament debutants in Dortmund.
Yet Turkey survived a major scare as tenacious Georgia twice struck the woodwork and also wasted a golden chance to level before Kerem Akturkoglu put the result beyond doubt at the death with a breakaway goal.
“It was a match worthy of the finals,” said Italian Montella, whose side were heavily backed on the terraces at Westfalenstadion.
“I’m turning 50 today so this was the best present I could have received.”
This was a nation-stopping moment for Georgia, a South Caucasus country of 3.7 million people that is making a debut in an international soccer tournament since independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, amid protests and political turmoil back home.
At No.75 the lowest-ranked nation at Euro 2024, Georgia could easily have snatched a point from a game played at a frenetic pace.
Giorgi Kochorashvili hit the crossbar and later fired wide in added time before captain Guram Kashia headed against a post during a frantic finish.
