Portugal have been dominating possession, yet lack any attacking bite. When they receive a free-kick on the right wing Ronaldo takes it and shots straight into Stanek’s hands with his shot.
Portugal have found themselves on the winning end of an amazing feat of luck: Bernardo Silva passes to Vitinha who in turn clips in a cross; Robin Hranac attempted to block it, only for it deflect into their own net! It was quite the feat! GOAL! Portugal celebrate with joyous celebration! Bernardo Silva laid it off to Vitinha who clipped in his cross before Hranac attempted to block it with an attempt of his own; eventually deflecting into their own goal!
Who will win Portugal vs Czech?
Portugal team enter the match as clear favorites to triumph, boasting one of the strongest squads in the tournament with stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Leao in their ranks. They topped their Euro qualifying group and possess enough firepower to secure a major win against Czech Republic who are eager to start off well in this year’s competition.
Portugal created the initial chance of the game with a cross from the left that Ronaldo headed goalwards but the offside flag quickly and accurately waved it away. Shortly afterwards, Jota connected with Bernardo’s long pass and fired an overhead shot, while Dalot sneaked in behind and fired narrowly wide of goal.
As rain pours down in Leipzig, Czechs appear determined to get on the front foot and create some opportunities. They nearly did just that when Coufal overhitted a pass from right, sending it out for goal kick; and went close again when Schick nearly got on end of another corner from right that Portugal cleared easily.
Team Matches
Portugal are struggling to create much, and Czech Republic keeper Jindrich Stanek rarely seems troubled by any Portuguese shots on goal. They still pose a threat when Doudera reaches a through ball down the right to Sevcik who takes perhaps too many touches before shooting too quickly which causes his shot to be blocked by Stanek.
Portugal National Football Team Vs Czech Republic National Football Team Matches ; Leao bursts through into the box as he is hit hard by Soucek, only for him to be taken down by what looks like a dive – on replay it does appear too easy, leading to another booking for Wolves man Soucek.
Raindrops continue to fall heavily in Leipzig as the match struggles to get underway. Portugal are playing around but do not threaten until Fernandes threads a pass for Ronaldo who sees his first-time shot blocked and then narrowly misses with another left-foot drive which narrowly misses.
Score Card
Portugal were impressive in the first half, making plenty of passes and rarely surrendering possession. Yet despite this dominance, they failed to convert it into chances.
Ronaldo, who hadn’t looked his best, is taken down in the box, but replays show he was offside, which is harsh but fair.
Portugal had a brilliant opportunity when Leao and Ronaldo connected on an outstanding team move down the left. But Ronaldo mishit his header, keeping the score deadlocked at half-time.
Rivalry
Portugal and Czech Republic’s longstanding rivalry has attracted great interest among football fans, underscoring its cultural relevance. Here’s an interactive timeline showcasing historic encounters, key moments and results of their epic rivalry.
Portugal are finding it hard to gain any foothold in the final third. Bernardo Silva attempts a cross from the left but nobody takes advantage of it; while minutes later Fernandes plays Leao in, but his cross deflects off of Leao for another corner kick.
Portugal eventually find their footing and take the lead when Nuno Mendes sends in a corner that Ronaldo heads home into the far corner. Jindrich Stanek wasn’t quite where he needed to be at that exact moment in time – nonetheless it marks Portugal’s inaugural goal and serves as an important one in their campaign against Slovenia.
Final Words
As both teams go through drills in Leipzig’s torrential downpour, players from both sides engage in extensive exercises. Leao almost scored from Vitinha corner but Jindrich Stanek managed to clear it away quickly; Cristiano Ronaldo tried his luck from distance only for Jindrich Stanek to save it with a stunning save! Meanwhile CR7 tried for that first goal of the night but his curling effort was denied by Czech goalkeeper Petr Nechova.
Start of game was relatively quiet, proving frustrating for Portugal as they control possession. Yet the hosts showed solid defensive play from Provod and Soucek who provided stability at the back.
Jota comes close to giving Portugal the lead but his attempt is disallowed for offside – an appropriate decision as Ronaldo drifted into an offside position. With time ticking away and all seeming lost for either team, substitute Conceicao scores a late winner that breaks hearts of Czech hosts and secures Portugal a crucial win that could prove pivotal in Group F.
