After the 3-1 victory of Türkiye matured against the GeorgiaThe Portugal is obliged to win 3 points against Czech Republic to keep the first place objective alive, and the will of the Iberians is clear from the first players. The first half is entirely controlled by the Portuguesei, who however find it difficult to attack the Czech wall, which for the entire first 45 minutes shields itself in defense trying to exploit the few opportunities on the counter-attack granted by the opponents, but both teams never manage to really worry the opposing goalkeepers, for exception of Ronaldowho in injury time puts Stanek in difficulty, who keeps the goal clean with a great save.
The game heats up in the second half, in which both teams increase the pace, favoring the connection between attack and defense, and thanks also to the enterprising spirit of their midfielders, both teams find the goal, with Provod on the one hand and with the own goal of Hranac on the other, who comes out defeated by an unfortunate carom with his goalkeeper.
Portugal takes the lead with Diogo Jota in the 87th minutebut the Var denies the dream of victory to the red-greens due to Ronaldo’s irregular position; however, they make up for it immediately afterwards with the replacement Conceicaowhich in the second minute of injury time finds the winning goal.
Portugal-Czech Republic, the scoreboard:
PORTUGAL (3-5-2): Diogo Costa; Dalot, Pepe, Rúben Dias; Cancelo, B. Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Nuno Mendes; Cristiano Ronaldo, Leao. CT: R. Martinez
Available: Yes, Rui Patricio, Antonio Silva, Semedo, Danilo Pereira, Inacio, Palhinha, Joao Neves, Matheus Nunes, Ruben Neves, Jota, Joao Felix, Conceiçao, Pedro Neto, Ramos.
CZECH REPUBLIC (3-5-2): Stanek; Holes, Hranac, Krejci; Coufal, Sulc, Soucek, Provod, Doudera; Kuchta, Schick. CT: I. Hasek
Available: Kovar, Jaros, Vitik, Vlcek, Jurasek, Zima, Barak, Provod, Cerny, Cerv, Lingr, Chory, Hlozek, Chytil.
Networks: aut. Hranac (P), Provod (R), Conceicao (R)
Warnings: Leao (P), Schick (P), Conceicao (P)
Expulsions: Nobody
Recoveries: 1′, 4′
