Portugal substitute Franscisco Conceicao stole the slow with a stoppage time goal to help Cristiano Ronaldo-led side beat Czech Republic 2-1 in European Championship 2024 on June 18. Conceicao stepped on to the field in the 90th minute and managed to fire one past Czech Republic goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek in the second minute of stoppage time.
Czech Republic dominated the proceedings with ball possession. After a goalless first half, Portugal were stunned as Lukas Provod found the back of the net with a vicious strike in the 62nd minute. The equaliser came in the 70th minute. Nuno Mendes's header was stopped by Stanek but it rebounded off Robin Hranac's shin and past the goalkeeper.
Hranac's bad day at the office continued when his attempted block of substitute Pedro Neto's shot created a chance for Conceicao. The Porto winger made the most of it as he shot one inside the left post to score the winner.
"The players that came off the bench showed that the team has a lot of options," Portugal coach Roberto Martínez said.
Conceicao was booked by the referee for taking off his jersey while celebrating the goal.
Other feats achieved during Portugal vs Czech Republic clash
It was Ronaldo's record-extending 26th appearance at the tournament. He became the first to play in six editions of the European Championships. The 39-year-old had a chance to score but Stanek denied him.
Meanwhile, the 41-year-old defender Pepe became the oldest player to play in the European Championship's history.
Coach Martinez lauded the team for making a comeback despite conceding in the second half.
"We won because the group is united. We became resilient in the last few days," said the 50-year-old.
No blame on Hranac
Czech coach Ivan Hasek did not blame Hranac for the loss as he was involved in both goals scored by Portugal. He lauded his players for putting on a show against the world no.6.
"It was very unlucky, but it was a fast terrain, very wet. These unlucky things can happen," Hasek said. "I have to thank my players for their hard work. Portugal was better, they deserved to win."
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