(sabasports report) Portugal take on the Czech Republic in Leipzig in the first round of Euro 2024 Group F. In the first half, the two teams exchanged a 0-0 draw. In the second half, Antonin Barak volleyed home from outside the penalty area to give the Czech Republic a 1-0 lead. Portugal took advantage of a Czech defender’s own goal to tie the score 1-1. Diogo Jota’s stopgap shot was disallowed for offside, but Francisco Conceicao scored in stoppage time to make it 2-1.
The last time Portugal and the Czech Republic played each other was in the Nations League in 2022, when Portugal trounced 4-0. Portugal have won all four of their last meetings. Portugal also won their last two European Cup meetings (2008, 2012), with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring. The Czech Republic’s only win came in 1996, when they beat Portugal 1-0 in the European Championship quarter-finals.
Portuguese veteran Pepe, who at 43 years and 113 days broke the record set by former Hungary international Gabor Kiraly for the oldest player to play at the tournament, was in the defensive line. Ronaldo also set the record for the oldest outfield player at the European Championship at 39 years and 134 days, and this is his sixth European Championship, setting a new appearance record. Ronaldo partners with Rafael Leao up front, with Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Nuno Mendes and Joao Cancelo in midfield. Patrik Schick led the team up front, with Vladimir Coufal and TomasSoucek dominating the middle and back court.