Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal make winning start after thrilling late winner

Cristiano Ronaldo was spared a frustrating start to Euro 2024 when Francisco Conceicao struck home an injury-winner to beat Czechia 2-1 in 39-year-old superstar was left infuriated minutes before the end when he headed the ball against the post, Diogo Jota fired in the rebound Mateus Fernandes Jersey, but automated review found that Ronaldo had been in an offside , there was still time for the decisive goal to come. Concicao scored just 111 seconds after coming on as a substitute, capitalizing on a mistake from Czech defender Robin Hranac, who allowed the ball to slip through his legs. The danger was not over yet, though, and Portugal survived a nervous moment when Czechia captain Tomas Soucek dragged his shot wide on 82 minutes after a crucial block from Ruben Dias fell into his the drama really began, with the disallowed Jota goal and Conceicao's critical striuke, 24 years to the week since his father Sergio scored a hat trick against Germany at Euro 39, there were suggestions in Portugal pre-tournament that Ronaldo should be used sparingly, perhaps in a role coming off the bench, by head coach Roberto Martinez. The way this played out, and Ronaldo's heavy involvement in attack, made it clear he is a central part of Martinez's now sits in a strong position in Group F, level on points with Turkey, which beat Georgia 3-1 earlier on and company meet Turkey next, the contest taking place in Dortmund on Saturday, three hours after Czechia takes on Georgia in Rogers is a columnist for FOX Sports. Gonçalo Guedes Jersey