Portugal 2 vs Czechia 1
By Gerald Lutchman
PORTUGAL dominated the game, yet, somehow had to come from behind to win this encounter. Portugal had 74% of the possession, 19 shots at goal, 725 passes and 13 corners but had to wait until very late to secure the three points. Lukas Provod 62nd minute strike, against the run of play, gave Czechia the shock lead. This did not last for long as an own goal by Robin Hranac 69th provided the equaliser.
Czechia defended brilliantly but the substitute Francisco Concieicoa 90 +2 scored two minutes after coming on to secure a dramatic win for Portugal. His father Sergio Conceicao played 56 times for his country scoring a hat-trick against Germany in Euro 2000 in Rotterdam. So this may cause a selection dilemma for head coach Roberto Martinez who told reporters after the game: “Francisco is the ultimate example of earning it,” adding, “he deserves to be here and showed he is ready to help the group.”
Martinez said, “He is doing what he has been doing the past four months at (Porto). He showed character and showed his worth. He is a very mature player. He plays very direct. He has got a nose for danger. For (me) to have a player do what he did, that’s very important.”
Cristiano Ronaldo played and was the captain but his impact was minimal having squandered two excellent first-half opportunities. Pepe at 41, has become the oldest player in Euro history. It will be interesting to see the starting 11 for the next game.
Turkey 3 vs 1 Georgia
Teenager Aeder Guler’s superb long-range strike helped Turkey to a 3-1 win. Mert Muldur gave Turkey a deserved lead in the 25th minute. Georgia, playing their first international tournament equalised in the 32nd minute when Georges Mikautaze and the game seemed in the balance.
The 19 year old Guler ,coming into the tournament as a Champion league winner with Real Madrid scored an absolute stunner in the 65th minute. Kerem Akturkoglu sealed the deal in the 90+7 minute.
Here is a look at the groups after the first round of matches:
Games June 19th 2024:
Croatia vs Albania
Germany vs Hungary
Scotland vs Switzerland
