Yesterday ended with the matches of group F, the matches of the first day of the Euro2024 groups. Closing the first round of matches was another of the big favourites, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez and obviously Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese captain, taking to the field yesterday, took part in the sixth edition of the European Championships, a competition that the champion from Madeira particularly loves. On the other hand, it is also one of the two competitions that the number 7 won with his selection.
Portugal dominates and wins with substitutions
Yesterday’s opponent wasn’t particularly convincing. Portugal crossed paths with the Czech Republic. However, the Portuguese team found themselves against a very compliant team. The Portuguese dominated, despite not finding the net for over an hour and going behind. And, despite the bad evening of some of his best players such as Rafael Leão and Bernardo Silva, he managed to recover.
In the end, it was Portugal’s changes that were decisive, as well as the length and average quality of the squad available to Martinez at Euro2024. In the end, the triple change in the 90th minute was decisive, with the entry among others of Francisco Conçeiçao, Sergio’s son.
Portugal needs goals!
It is clear, however, that if Portugal really wants to hope to do a repeat of Euro2016 at Euro2024, a lot will depend on their ability to score. Yesterday, in addition to Conçeiçao, it took an own goal to bring the Portuguese team back into the game. We need goals, we need more goals, from CR7 or whoever… Obviously not everyone will defend themselves as strenuously as the Czech Republic and, therefore, there will be more spaces. But Cristiano & co. they are called to be much more concrete in the rest of the tournament if they want to hope for the final victory.
