Cristiano Ronaldo breaks another record as Portugal come from behind to stun Czech Republic at Euro 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo made history as the first player to appear in six European Championships In a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in Leipzig on Tuesday at Euro 2024.
In 2004, the 39-year-old participated in his first competition, losing to Greece in the championship match. He went on to lead his country to victory at Euro 2016, his first major international prize, although he sustained an injury in the first half of the final and had to be replaced.
Ronaldo, who is presently with the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr and plays outside of Europe’s key top-five leagues, was selected by Portugal coach Roberto Martinez, who had already commended the veteran striker for his goal-scoring ability prior to the tournament.
Despite a few moments of brilliance, the forward was largely quiet during his team’s opening Group F match against the Czech Republic. However, he did hit the post with a header late in the game, which Diogo Jota then turned in. But because Ronaldo was just a hair offside, the visual assistant referee (VAR) disallowed the goal.
However, Portugal persisted in their quest for the winner, and in the 92nd minute, Francisco Conceição, a substitute, produced a thrilling late victory by tapping in from close range.
Even though Portugal dominated play, Lukáš Provod’s incredible long-range strike in the 62nd minute gave the Czech Republic the lead.
Portugal equalized shortly after, courtesy of a remarkable stroke of luck. After failing to stop a straightforward cross, Czech Republic goalkeeper Jindřich Staněk parried it into his defender, allowing the ball to bounce off Robin Hranáč and into the goal.
Ronaldo has scored in all five of the European Championships that he’s played in and is the competition’s record goalscorer with 14 goals. If he finds the net in Germany this year, he will have the opportunity to become the oldest goal-scorer in the Euros.
Not just Ronaldo but another Portuguese player made history on Tuesday. Pepe, a defender, set a new record for the oldest player to appear at a European Championships at 41 years and 113 days.
Portugal will face Turkey in its next encounter on Saturday before meeting Georgia next Wednesday.
