Portugal vs Czechia LIVE: Euro 2024 result and final score as Francisco Conceicao goal wins it for Ronaldo

A late goal by Portugal substitute Francisco Conceicao secured a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in their opening Group F game at Euro 2024, where they also needed an own goal as they came from behind to snatch victory.

As Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to feature at a sixth European Championship, Portugal dominated possession and had the lion’s share of the chances but it was the Czech’s who took the lead in the 62nd minute when Lukas Provod whipped a stunning strike into the far corner.

Seven minutes later Portugal were level when Czech goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek pushed away a header from Nuno Mendes but only as far as the leg of Robin Hranac and the ball ricocheted into the defender’s own net. The game was in added time when Conceicao tapped in from close range after a defensive mistake from Hranac to give Portugal the win

Follow all the latest reaction in our live blog below, as well as the news from the day’s other games:

Portugal vs Czech Republic

• FULL TIME! Francisco Conceicao hits stoppage-time winner for Portugal

• 90+1 GOAL! Conceicao fires in late winner from close range (POR 2-1 CZE)

• 88’ NO GOAL! Diogo Jota scrambles in but Ronaldo offside after hitting post (POR 1-1 CZE)

• 69’ GOAL! Unfortunate Hranac own goal gifts Portugal the equaliser (POR 1-1 CZE)

• 63’ GOAL! Stunning Provod strike stuns Portugal and Ronaldo (POR 0-1 CZE)

• 57’ SAVE! Ronaldo fires free-kick straight at goalkeeper (POR 0-0 CZE)

• HALF TIME! Ronaldo and Portugal frustrated in Leipzig (POR 0-0 CZE)

• 32’ SHOT! Bruno Fernandes goes close from range (POR 0-0 CZE)

• 8' CHANCE! Ronaldo goes close with early header (POR 0-0 CZE)

• Why are Czech Republic called Czechia at Euro 2024?

• How Portugal’s unexpected decision with Cristiano Ronaldo made them huge Euro 2024 contenders

Portugal 2 - 1 Czechia

Portugal player ratings vs Czechia: Cristiano Ronaldo and Premier League stars started Euro 2024 campaign

22:25 , Chris Wilson

Portugal football had been talked about as among the favourites at Euro 2024, but they had to come from behind against Czechia to secure a hard-fought first win in Group F.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s side had dominated in the first half without really putting Czechia on the back foot, but Lukas Provod put his team ahead just after the hour mark completely against the run of play with a powerful strike.

It was only due to a fortunate own goal, which went in off Robin Hranac that Portugal managed to secure an equaliser. But after going level, it was Francisco Conceicao who scored the winner moments after coming on from the bench.

Below are the Portugal player ratings from their first Group F match.

Portugal player ratings vs Cezchia in Euro 2024 opening game

FULL-TIME! Portugal 2-1 Czech Republic

22:10 , Chris Wilson

The Czech Republic can take a lot of encouragement from there performance tonight.

They were resolute in defence, with Provod and Soucek putting in a shift in midfield. They were lacking any penetration in attack though.

Unfortunately, the result leaves them in a difficult position in Group F. They’ll likely need at least a draw against Turkey if they’re to make the next round.

FULL-TIME! Portugal 2-1 Czech Republic

22:06 , Chris Wilson

FULL-TIME! Portugal 2-1 Czech Republic

22:01 , Chris Wilson

So, a potentially vital win for Portugal as they look to secure an easier route through the last 16.

They didn’t play as well as they know they can, but as was the case for England and France, the main thing is to win your first game.

Some encouraging performances from Mendes, Cancelo, Fernandes and Vitinha, while Jota impressed after coming on and the defence was solid overall despite conceding.

Ronaldo, Silva, Leao and Dalot will be a little disappointed with their performances though.

FULL-TIME! Portugal 2-1 Czech Republic

21:55 , Chris Wilson

FULL-TIME! And the referee blows the whistle, and Portugal get the late victory! They left it late, but in the end they earn the three points.

They don’t look like favourites after that, but a win is a win in your opening game.

Euro 2024: Portugal 2-1 Czech Republic

21:53 , Chris Wilson

95 mins

We’re past the allotted amount of added time now. Portugal launch it forward in an attempt to waste time.

Euro 2024: Portugal 2-1 Czech Republic

21:52 , Chris Wilson

94 mins

Portugal have some defending to do before the final whistle as Bara clips a ball over the top of the Portugal defence, but the header is looped over the bar!

GOAL! Portugal 2-1 Czech Republic

21:51 , Chris Wilson

92 mins

GOAL! And Portugal have surely won it!

God work from Pedro Neto as he wins the loose ball on the wing and brings it inside. He fizzes a ball across goal and it’s almost blocked, but the defender’s challenge takes all the pace off it and it lands at the feet of Conceicao, who slots it low past Stanek!

Euro 2024: Portugal 1-1 Czech Republic

21:49 , Chris Wilson

91 mins

There’ll be four minutes of added time here.

Euro 2024: Portugal 1-1 Czech Republic

21:49 , Chris Wilson

90 mins

Portugal make two changes as we approach the end of the 90. Vitinha, Cancelo and Mendes come off for Pedro Neto, Francisco Conceicao and Nelson Semedo.

GOAL! Portugal 2-1 Czech Republic

21:47 , Chris Wilson

87 mins

DISALLOWED GOAL! Portugal think they have the lead, but it’s chalked off!

Silva lays it back to Vitinha, who clips another great ball to the far post, and Ronaldo heads it into the ground. It comes back off the post but Jota turns it into an empty net!

Ronaldo looks offside in the replay, and it’s given by VAR!

Euro 2024: Portugal 1-1 Czech Republic

21:45 , Chris Wilson

86 mins

Scoring goals was a problem for Belgium at the end of Martinez’s tenure, and the evidence of this game suggests it might affect his new role too.

The Czechs are looking tired now, and they concede a silly foul in the Portugal half.

Euro 2024: Portugal 1-1 Czech Republic

21:43 , Chris Wilson

84 mins

Almost a great opportunity as Ronaldo is in behind an in space, but Fernandes can’t get the angle right on the through ball.

Euro 2024: Portugal 1-1 Czech Republic

21:41 , Chris Wilson

83 mins

CLOSE! The Czech Republic create a chance out of nothing as they catch Portugal napping with their throw-in. The full-back is in down the right and he cuts it back to Sevcik, whose original shot is blocked well by Inacio. The ball falls to Soucek, but his tired effort is dragged wide.

Euro 2024: Portugal 1-1 Czech Republic

21:39 , Chris Wilson

81 mins

Fernandes picks out an inviting cross that Ronaldo is close to reaching, but it’s headed behind. The attack is ruined though as Fernandes is penalised for a high foot.

Euro 2024: Portugal 1-1 Czech Republic

21:38 , Chris Wilson

79 mins

Two more changes for the Czech Republic, as goalscorer Provod and fellow midfielder Šulc come off for Barák and Sevcik.

Euro 2024: Portugal 1-1 Czech Republic

21:36 , Chris Wilson

77 mins

Ronaldo is offside as Fernandes tried to slip the through ball into his path. Portugal come again, with Cancelo and Silva combining down the right, and they sweep it from left to right before Ronaldo lays it off to Vitinha. The PSG midfielder’s low drive forces a decent save from Stanek.

Euro 2024: Portugal 1-1 Czech Republic

21:33 , Chris Wilson

74 mins

The Czech Republic look in need of some fresh legs, but they get away with it this time as Fernandes’ diagonal through ball finds Jota, who is too isolated to create anything.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-1 Czech Republic

21:31 , Chris Wilson

72 mins

The goal has certainly put a spring in the Portuguese step. They attack again, and Silva is the latest to have a shot beaten away by Stanek.

GOAL! Portugal 1-1 Czech Republic

21:29 , Chris Wilson

70 mins

GOAL! And it’s so unlucky for the Czechs.

Bernardo Silva has the ball in the box and he lays it back off to Vitinha, who clips in a first-time cross towards the far post. Mendes is there to head it down towards Ronaldo, but he’s not needed as Stanek claws it straight on to Hranac, who can only stand there as it goes into the back of his own net.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-1 Czech Republic

21:26 , Chris Wilson

67 mins

Can Portugal respond here? They need some more urgency and a lot more quality in the final third.

Roberto Martinez responded to the goal by bringing on Goncalo Inacio and Diogo Jota for Dalot and Leao.

euro 2024: Portugal 0-1 Czech Republic

21:24 , Chris Wilson

65 mins

Portugal look like they’re in a real hurry now. Perhaps too much of a hurry, as Dias fires a ball over the top straight out.

GOAL! Portugal 0-1 Czech Republic

21:22 , Chris Wilson

62 mins

GOAL! Out of nowhere, the Czech Republic are ahead!

The ball comes in from the left but it’s headed away, and Soucek collects. He lays it off to Provod, who sweeps a curling shot across and into the far post from outside the box!

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

21:19 , Chris Wilson

59 mins

Much better from Portugal as Vitiniha fires it in to Cancelo, who has his back to goal but plays a lovely disguised pass to the overlapping Silva. His cross is cut out though.

The Czechs make two substitutions, as Schick and Kuchta come off for Lingr and Chytil.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

21:16 , Chris Wilson

57 mins

Schick continues his tired performance by blatantly fouling Cancelo on the edge of the box, and he’s booked.

Ronaldo takes, and he fires a decent effort over the wall, but there’s not enough on it as Stanek comes across to catch it.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

21:14 , Chris Wilson

55 mins

No real chances yet in the second half. It’s started in a very similar way to how the first half ended.

One difference is that Portugal are attacking down the right more, and it almost pays off as Ruben Dias has made his way forward to fizz in a cross, which is headed away just before Ronaldo can connect.

Portugal continue to apply pressure and the ball comes in towards Ronaldo again, but Soucek does brilliantly to head away.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

21:10 , Chris Wilson

52 mins

Bernardo Silva gets one-v-one with his full-back before cutting in and attempting to wrap one into the far corner, but it flies wide.

Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

21:09 , Chris Wilson

50 mins

Soucek wins it back and the Czech Republic attack, but Schick puts in a poor cross. He’s looking a little rusty, especially in comparison to his last Euros campaign!

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

21:06 , Chris Wilson

48 mins

Another Czech attacks comes to nothing as Vitinha intercepts, before Portugal counter and win a corner.

KICK-OFF! Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

21:03 , Chris Wilson

KICK-OFF! The Czech Republic get the second half started. A vital three points are up for grabs here, but who will grab them?

HALF-TIME! Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

20:58 , Chris Wilson

At the risk of being proven spectacularly wrong: Ronaldo has struggled a little with the pace of some of Portugal’s attacks, especially on the counter. Portugal played 18 crosses in the half, and he was on the end of maybe one.

Worth noting that his box movement has still been superb in places, and some of his touches and passes have been brilliant.

Brace yourselves for the hat-trick that he’ll inevitably score in the second half now.

20:55 , Chris Wilson

HALF-TIME! Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

20:49 , Chris Wilson

HALF-TIME! The referee blows the whistle and we head into the break at 0-0.

Not a great half for the neutral. Portugal were definitely the better side, but there haven’t been many clear-cut chances. Plenty of crosses in, but nothing fruitful so far.

The Czech Republic are struggling to attack, though they are defending brilliantly on the whole. They’re missing an out-ball in attack; either a striker with pace or someone to hold it up.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

20:47 , Chris Wilson

45 mins

Leao has another chance to cross in from the left and this is a better one, with his cutback put behind for a corner.

From the corner, Portugal work it over to Ronaldo in the box. He swivels and manages to get a shot away, but it’s too close to Stanek.

There’ll be one minute of added time.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

20:45 , Chris Wilson

43 mins

Mendes is the latest to clip a ball forward towards nobody. It’s been poor in the last 10 minutes or so from Portugal, in truth.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

20:43 , Chris Wilson

41 mins

Great play from Leao to bring down the diagonal pass and keep possession, but Fernandes ends up losing the ball as he tried to fire it in to Ronaldo. Another example of Portugal’s attack just being a little bit disjointed in the final phases.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

20:41 , Chris Wilson

38 mins

Holes beats Mendes to the loose ball and Kuchta delivers the ball in, but Ruben Dias is there with a fantastic defensive header to clear it.

Leao leads the Portugal counter and he’s taken down as he surged into the box, but it was just outside the area. On replay, he’s gone over too easily and he’s booked for simulation! Maybe a little harsh.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

20:38 , Chris Wilson

37 mins

Cancelo and Leao are certainly looking like the more dangerous wing pairing for Portugal, and a lot of the (half) chances are coming from that side.

Soucek is down briefly, and the Czech bench looks a little worried, but he seems okay to carry on.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

20:37 , Chris Wilson

35 mins

Both great and poor from Leao. He chops inside to create the space for the cross, but his ball in is nowhere near anyone in a red shirt.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

20:35 , Chris Wilson

34 mins

Great work from Ronaldo in the build-up this time, as his back-heeled pass almost puts Vitinha through one-on-one, but the shot ends up going out for a corner.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

20:34 , Chris Wilson

32 mins

Brilliant out of nowhere from Portugal. Fernandes collects it around 25 yards out and spots Ronaldo making the diagonal run. He slips it through and Ronaldo hits it first time, but it’s a great save from Stanek.

On second look, he might have been offside, but it’s a good illustration of the Portugal threat.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

20:33 , Chris Wilson

31 mins

Soucek loses it in midfield and Portugal counter, but Fernandes and Leao are too indecisive and the Czechs regroup.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

20:31 , Chris Wilson

29 mins

Cancelo does well again to cut out Coufal’s ball, and it runs to Mendes. He clips a ball towards the far post, but it misses Ronaldo, who had made a more central run.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

20:30 , Chris Wilson

27 mins

The Czechs are still struggling to keep possession, or to mount any threatening attacks. Portugal have been patient in the midfield build-up, but a little rash in their decision-making in the final third.

Portugal win a cheap corner after Stanek can’t collect the cushioned pass back, but yet again they head it away easily enough.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

20:28 , Chris Wilson

25 mins

Nothing comes from the corner – the Czechs have defended the set-pieces brilliantly so far, and they look happy to rely on their set-up and collective height!

They have a rare attack that is cut out by Silva. He passes it on to Vitinha, who sweeps it out wide to Fernandes. He plays an early curled ball behind the defence, and Rafa Leao narrowly misses converting it as he slid in! First big chance of the night.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

20:25 , Chris Wilson

23 mins

The Czech Republic are really struggling to keep the ball when they do win it, but their defending has been resolute so far. Joao Cancelo is the latest to have a shot blocked in the box.

Seconds later, Fernandes takes aim from distance, and his shot is deflected over. Vitinha will take the corner.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

20:23 , Chris Wilson

21 mins

Plenty of flicks and dummies from Ronaldo, but no real substance from the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. Portugal work it wide and it ends up with Dias, who lines up a shot from outside the area that ends up being deflected behind.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

20:21 , Chris Wilson

19 mins

Brilliant from Mendes as he skips away from Holes in midfield before cutting in and driving towards the area. He sweeps it towards the right wing and the cross comes in, but it’s just over Ronaldo’s head.

Portugal win another corner and Vitinha swings it in once more, but it’s easily dealt with by the Czech defence.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

20:18 , Chris Wilson

15 mins

Mendes is the latest to swing in a cross that nobody is on the end of. Unusually for Ronaldo, he hasn’t been in the box to react to a few balls in.

Moments later, Mendes lines up a shot from distance, but it’s wild and flies wide.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

20:14 , Chris Wilson

13 mins

Portugal are winning possession back easily in the opening stages. The Czechs are dropping deeper by the minute.

Silva and Fernandes try a cross and a through ball in quick succession, but neither were troubling the Czech defence.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

20:13 , Chris Wilson

12 mins

Lovely play from Leao as he easily skips past Coufal, but nobody can get on the end of his ball as he squares it across goal.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

20:12 , Chris Wilson

10 mins

The Czechs launch a counter and Provod initially does well to get away from Pepe before losing it for a goal kick.

Moments later, Ronaldo thinks he’s won a free-kick on the edge of the box but he’s gone down too easily.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

20:10 , Chris Wilson

8 mins

First half-chance for Ronaldo as Leao collect the ball on the left, and his cross is pinpoint enough but Ronaldo miscues his header.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

20:09 , Chris Wilson

7 mins

First corner of the match as Coufal sweeps the through ball out. Vitinha delivers the in-swinging ball, but it’s cleared.

The Czech Republic enjoy some possession in the Portugal half but they can’t fashion a chance, eventually working it back to the centre-backs. Portugal aren’t pressing too high in the opening stages.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

20:05 , Chris Wilson

4 mins

Now Fernandes is guilty of a wayward ball into the box, as his cross is nowhere near a red shirt. Good work from Joao Cancelo to set him up though.

The Czechs go down the other end and Sulc makes some space for himself, but the shot is blocked.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

20:04 , Chris Wilson

3 mins

Fernandes slips it through to Silva, who’s bursting into the box, but his cross towards Ronaldo is wayward.

Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

20:04 , Chris Wilson

1 min

Schick goes down near the box hoping for the early free-kick, but nothing doing. Coufal can’t reach it as the ball runs out of play.

Portugal have their first bit of sustained possession, knocking it around their half as the Czech Republic are happy to sit off.

KICK-OFF! Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

20:01 , Chris Wilson

KICK-OFF! Portugal get us underway in Leipzig, for the final fixture in the opening round of group games.

Portugal vs Czech Republic LIVE

19:59 , Chris Wilson

The national anthems are finished and we’re moments from kick-off!

Can Portugal justify their place among the pre-tournament favourites?

Portugal vs Czech Republic LIVE

19:54 , Chris Wilson

Portugal are making history at the Euros, with Pepe becoming the oldest player to feature at the tournament at the age of 41.

Ronaldo becomes the first player to appear at six different European Championships, having first played in 2004. He reached the final that year, and won in 2016 – can he inspire Portugal to another win in Germany in 2024?

The teams are in the tunnel.

19:50 , Chris Wilson

Form guide

19:45 , Chris Wilson

Portugal’s form coming into Euro 2024 has been mixed, with Martinez’s side losing 2-0 to Slovenia in a March friendly and 2-1 to Croatia on 8 June.

These games came either side of a 4-2 win against Finland on 4 June, while they finished their preparations with a 3-0 win against Ireland. Reaction from within Portugal prompted Bruno Fernandes to comment that he didn’t “want anyone to think that we came to this point thinking that everything was done and there was nothing to improve”.

Conversely, the Czech Republic come into the tournament in perfect form, having won all of their last five games. They finished their qualifying campaign with a 3-0 win against Moldova in November, before beating Armenia and Norway 2-1 in their March friendlies. They finished preparations for the tournament by beating Malta 7-1 before a 2-1 win against North Macedonia on 10 June.

Negativity around Portugal due to high expectations, claims Bruno Fernandes

Head-to-head

19:40 , Chris Wilson

Surprisingly, Portugal and the Czech Republic have met THREE times at the European Championships.

The first meeting came at Euro ‘96, when Karel Poborsky’s lob sent the Czechs to the semi-finals (they eventually lost 2-1 to Germany in the final, and Poborsky was rewarded with a move to Manchester United that summer).

They had to wait until Euro 2008 to meet again, and this time Portugal got their revenge with goals from Deco, Ricardo Quaresma and a certain Cristiano Ronaldo giving them the win in the second group game.

Four years later, the sides met again at the Euros, avenging their 1996 quarter-final defeat by beating the Czechs 1-0 at the same stage. Any guesses who might have scored the winner?

The first meeting between the two sides that wasn’t at the Euros came 10 years later, when they faced off in the Nations League groups in 2022. Portugal won both games: 2-0 in Lisbon in June, and 4-0 in Prague in September.

Portugal: Players to watch

19:35 , Chris Wilson

It’ll be Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and BernardomSilva that attract the viewers, but with so much established talent in Roberto Martinez’s side it may pay to keep an eye on a couple of youngsters.

Joao Neves will be hoping to impress on the international stage after excelling in the Benfica midfield this season. His performances have provoked several media rumours linking him with teams including Liverpool and Manchester United, so a good performance at this tournament may be the key to securing one such transfer. It remains to be seen whether the more experienced trio of Fernandes, Vitinha and Palhinha will keep the 19-year-old out of the starting eleven though.

In defence, 22-year-old centre-back Goncalo Inacio was a key component of Sporting’s 23/24 league title win, and he will likely start alongside Ruben Dias. However, don’t be surprised if Roberto Martinez opts for 20-year-old Antonio Silva instead, as the Benfica defender started one of the warm-up games as well as some qualifying matches. Perhaps unsurprisingly, both youngsters have been linked with clubs including Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

In attack, AC Milan winger Rafael Leao will be looking to impress after following a promising 2022 World Cup with a disappointing season at club level, but he faces stiff competition from Liverpool’s Diogo Jota and Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix.

Portugal boss Roberto Martinez hails Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of his sixth Euros

19:30 , Chris Wilson

Roberto Martinez has defended Cristiano Ronaldo and hailed the importance of his Portugal captain ahead of his sixth European Championship.

Portugal begin their Euro 2024 campaign on Tuesday with a Group F match with Czech Republic where talisman Ronaldo will make more history.

Al Nassr forward Ronaldo, fresh from scoring 51 goals in 52 appearances for club and country during the 2023-24 season, will play at a record-extending sixth Euros and has been backed to play a key role for Portugal.

Portugal boss Roberto Martinez hails Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of his sixth Euros

How Portugal’s unexpected decision with Cristiano Ronaldo made them huge Euro 2024 contenders

19:27 , Chris Wilson

When Roberto Martinez first took the Portugal job in January 2023, in a move that wasn’t exactly universally celebrated, there was one source of tension weighing over everything. The Catalan was expected to make the final decision on Cristiano Ronaldo‘s international future. Predecessor Fernando Santos had already started the process by leaving the Portuguese great out of the 2022 World Cup last-16 thrashing of Switzerland, with Ronaldo then decamping to the Saudi Pro League, which should have made the decision even easier.

It instead made what happened next all the more surprising. There was no tension between Ronaldo and Martinez. The new manager kept him in the squad, but also further integrated him into the team. While there had been a feeling that Martinez might be creating a huge problem for himself, it has instead proved the opposite. It’s been a non-issue, with Ronaldo remaining a productive player.

He scored 10 goals in qualifying, but that was as a part of a supremely talented team rather than the focus of everything.

How Portugal’s unexpected decision with Ronaldo made them huge Euros contenders

Portugal vs Czech Republic LIVE

19:23 , Chris Wilson

We may have only just finished a breathtaking game in Dortmund, but attention turns to Portugal’s opening match now.

Ronaldo and co. look to get their Euros campaign off to a flying start and lay down a marker after impressive performances from rivals Spain and Germany.

Some have labelled Portugal as one of the pre-tournament favourites, so Roberto Martinez’s side will be eager to justify that tag.

Brawls, biblical rain and wonder goals: How Turkey vs Georgia turned Euro 2024 upside down

19:17 , Chris Wilson

You’d be forgiven for having earmarked Turkey vs Georgia as the most low-key fixture of the Euro 2024 group stage. After all, the combined ranking of the teams was the most modest at the tournament so far, and Georgia entered Group F with no European Championship experience to their name. This game, though? It turned into something far beyond a football match.

Perhaps that should have been evident in the hours before kick-off. Biblical rain and severe weather warnings led German authorities to encourage fans without tickets to stay inside, and to watch the match at home if possible. The elements were deemed a threat to the safety of supporters, before their safety was even threatened by fan violence inside the BVB Stadion in Dortmund.

But when that violence began, as water spilt through the roof of the arena and fans spilt from their seats to attack one another, questions arose. Would the game go ahead, and if it were to, would it even resemble a football match?

To say the tension could be cut with a knife would be to give unnecessary credit to knives. You could have lacerated the tension with a balloon.

It felt as though everything could come crashing down at any moment, courtesy of the slightest move or even thought. It felt as if a foul on the pitch could incite a riot off it, such was the air of hostility, yet thankfully the violence in the stands did seem to have subsided by kick-off.

Read Alex Pattle’s match report below.

Brawls, biblical rain and wonder goals: Turkey vs Georgia turns Euro 2024 upside down

Euro 2024 results so far

19:15 , Chris Wilson

So after an enthralling opening match of Group F in Dortmund, here’s an updated list of the results so far at Euro 2024.

Turkey sit at the top of the group ahead of the 8pm kick-off between Portugal and Czech Republic. Those three points could be vital in progressing into the last 16 and finishing in second place, likely providing them an ‘easier’ draw in the next round.

Friday, June 14

Group A, Munich: Germany 5-1 Scotland

June 15

Group A, Cologne: Hungary 1-3 Switzerland

Group B, Berlin: Spain 3-0 Croatia

Group B, Dortmund: Italy 2-1 Albania

June 16

Group D, Hamburg: Poland 1-2 Netherlands

Group C, Stuttgart: Slovenia 1-1 Denmark

Group C, Gelsenkirchen: Serbia 0-1 England

June 17

Group E, Munich: Romania 3-0 Ukraine

Group E, Frankfurt: Belgium 0-1 Slovakia 

Group D, Dusseldorf: Austria 0-1 France

June 18

Group F, Dortmund: Turkey 3-1 Georgia

FULL-TIME: Turkey 3-1 Georgia

19:06 , Chris Wilson

FULL-TIME! Turkey 3-1 Georgia

19:01 , Chris Wilson

FULL-TIME! The referee brings the game to an end shortly after the goal, and Turkey have a deserved three points in what has been the most entertaining game of Euro 2024 so far.

Portugal team news

19:00 , Sonia Twigg

Portugal XI: Diogo Costa, Dalot, Pepe, Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, Ronaldo, Rafael Leao

Czechia XI: Czechia XI: Stanek, Holes, Hranac, Krejci, Coufal, Sulc, Soucek, Provod, Doudera, Kuchta, Schick

GOAL! Turkey 3-1 Georgia

18:59 , Chris Wilson

97 mins

GOAL! And Turkey seal it!

Georgia have two consecutive corners and Mamardashvili has stayed up. The second ball in is punched away by Gunok, and Aktürkoğlu collects it with the Georgia ‘keeper still in the opposition box. He’s in acres of space and he races towards Georgia’s unguarded goal, before coolly passing it into an open net to spark bedlam at the BVB Stadion.

Portugal team news

18:59 , Sonia Twigg

Portugal have named their team and Cristiano Ronaldo will be leading the line in their first Euro 2024 match against Czechia.

There is a strong Premier League contingent, including Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and Dalot to make up the side.

Euro 2024: Turkey 2-1 Georgia

18:57 , Chris Wilson

96 mins

SO CLOSE!

Kvaratskhelia swings the ball in and it beats every man in the box before crashing against the post! The rebound bounces to Zivzivadze, who practically has the open goal to aim at, but Akaydin dives in to block it and it goes out for a corner!

Euro 2024: Turkey 2-1 Georgia

18:54 , Chris Wilson

95 mins

Georgia aren’t giving up but they’re running out of time. They win a free-kick midway through the Turkey half, on the left wing. Mamardashvili is coming up...

Euro 2024: Turkey 2-1 Georgia

18:53 , Chris Wilson

93 mins

CLOSE! So nearly an equaliser for Georgia!

Brilliant work from Kvaratskhelia down the left to beat his man and cut it back into the box. The ball deflects up into the path of Mikautadze, but there’s confusion between him and Kochorashvili and they both go to hit it, with the ball bouncing off both before it rolls agonisingly wide.

Why are Czech Republic called Czechia at Euro 2024?

18:51 , Sonia Twigg

Czech Republic begin their Euro 2024 campaign tonight with a tough match against Portugal.

The Czechs will be hoping to get off to a positive start in a tough Group F, which also contains Turkey and debutants Georgia, who clashed in Dortmund earlier on Tuesday.

West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek is at the heart of a side that takes on Cristiano Ronaldo and the rest of a very strong Portuguese team.

Fans and viewers may notice that Czech Republic are often being referred to as “Czechia” over the coming weeks, and officially listed by Uefa under the shorter name. Broadcasters, commentators and pundits have increasingly taken to using the name Czechia in the build-up to this tournament.

Why are Czech Republic called Czechia at Euro 2024?

Euro 2024: Turkey 2-1 Georgia

18:50 , Chris Wilson

90 mins

Altunashvili comes on in place of Mekvabishvili for Georgia.

Calhanoglu is booked for a late challenge, and Kvaratskhelia can deliver the free-kick. It’s headed clear, but Georgia come again. They work it to Kvaratskhelia, who lays it to Altunashvili, but his cross is cleared before Turkey take the opportunity to make a sub. Calhanoglu coming off for Özcan.

We’ll have six minutes of added time.

Euro 2024: Turkey 2-1 Georgia

18:47 , Chris Wilson

87 mins

Georgia are still throwing men forwards in an attempt to get the equaliser, but it means they’re leaving holes in the defence. Turkey almost capitalise, as Celik clips in a ball from the right and Yazici directs a header towards goal, but Mamardashvili flies across to save.

Georgia defend the corner and win a goal kick.

18:43 , Chris Wilson

84 mins

Kvaratskhelia is briefly down, but it looks like he’ll be able to continue.

One player who can’t continue is Muldur, who is taken off for Celik. Aktürkoğlu also comes on, replacing Yıldız.

Georgia also make a change, with Zivzivadze coming on in place of Kverkvelia.

Euro 2024: Turkey 2-1 Georgia

18:42 , Chris Wilson

82 mins

Kokcu wins possession near halfway to prevent what could’ve been a dangerous Georgia attack, but Turkey concede the throw.

A little lull in activity has been reflected in the atmosphere, which is a little more nervous, quiet and tense than before.

Georgia have a half-chance as the ball comes in towards Kvaratskhelia in the centre of the box, but he’s nowhere near it with his overhead attempt.

Euro 2024: Turkey 2-1 Georgia

18:38 , Chris Wilson

77 mins

Kvaratskhelia delivers another inviting ball into the box but it’s headed away at the last moment, before Georgia concede the free-kick.

Georgia are keeping possession as we approach the final 10 minutes, and they try the clipped ball over the top but it’s cleared for the throw.

Turkey make two changes: Yusuf Yazici replaces Guler, while Merih Demiral comes on for Kaan Ayhan.

Euro 2024: Turkey 2-1 Georgia

18:33 , Chris Wilson

73 mins

Substitution for Georgia as Tsitaishvili and Chakvetadze come off for Lochoshvili and Davitashvili.

Euro 2024: Turkey 2-1 Georgia

18:31 , Chris Wilson

70 mins

CLOSE! Georgia hit the bar!

Brilliant play from the minnows as Kochorashvili collects the ball after a one-two on the edge of the box, flicks his touch up to avoid the challenge from the onrushing defender, and pokes an effort past Gunok but onto the crossbar!

Euro 2024: Turkey 2-1 Georgia

18:30 , Chris Wilson

68 mins

CLOSE! Great play from Turkey again as they attack down the left, and it arrives at the feet of Kokcu, but he is slightly off-balance and can only send his effort wide.

GOAL! Turkey 2-1 Georgia

18:27 , Chris Wilson

66 mins

GOAL! Another goal of the tournament contender for Turkey, this one from Arda Guler!

Turkey pile on the pressure and they work it from left to right. It ends up near the right wing at the feet of Arda Guler, who’s found himself in plenty of space. He takes a couple of touches towards goal before curling a brilliant effort into the far corner from around 25 yards out.

Euro 2024: Turkey 1-1 Georgia

18:22 , Chris Wilson

62 mins

Kvaratskhelia exchanges passes with Tsitaishvili down the left and he gets it back on the cutback, but his half-cross, half-shot ends up drifting wide of goal, with no white shirt there to convert.

Euro 2024: Turkey 1-1 Georgia

18:20 , Chris Wilson

61 mins

Kokcu has the presence of mind to turn and start the counter from his own half, but it ends with yet another block in the Georgia box.

Turkey recycle possession, and after trying a couple of blocked shots from distance, Calhanoglu’s effort is deflected behind for a corner.

Guler gets a second attempt at the delivery, but it’s straight into the hands of Mamardashvili.

Euro 2024: Turkey 1-1 Georgia

18:17 , Chris Wilson

57 mins

Turkey think they have a shout for a penalty but the referee has awarded a free-kick just outside the box for a late challenge. Kverkvelia is booked.

Calhanoglu has the opportunity from around 25 yards, and it’s a lovely strike. It’s moving a lot as it approaches the goal, but Mamardashvili gets a hand to palm it away.

Georgia counter and it’s carried into the Turkey half, with Chakvetadze eventually winning a corner.

Euro 2024: Turkey 1-1 Georgia

18:13 , Chris Wilson

54 mins

A promising attack for Turkey ends with a miscued through ball, and the same happens again when Arda Guler has the chance to slip it in to Yildiz, who would have been one-on-one.

Euro 2024: Turkey 1-1 Georgia

18:11 , Chris Wilson

51 mins

Lovely from Georgia to play out from their own box, and within four passes it arrives to Kvaratskhelia on the edge of the Turkey box. He works it down the left, creates a yard of space for himself and cuts it back to Mikautadze, who takes a touch and hits it on the turn, but two Turkey shirts throw themselves in front to block it. That would’ve been another goal of the tournament contender.

Euro 2024: Turkey 1-1 Georgia

18:09 , Chris Wilson

48 mins

Nice turn from Yilmaz in the box, but his shot is blocked, before Georgia win a free-kick. They counter and Tsitaishvili gets it out of his feet before hitting a shot straight at Gunok.

Euro 2024: Turkey 1-1 Georgia

18:06 , Chris Wilson

46 mins

A chance for Turkey straight away as Yilmaz gets away down the right and squares a ball into Muldur, but the ball bounces off his foot and into the hands of Mamardashvili.

KICK-OFF! Turkey 1-1 Georgia

18:04 , Chris Wilson

KICK-OFF! Back underway in Dortmund, with everyone hoping for an equally an enthralling second half to come.

No changes at half-time, with Georgia making Turkey wait a little as the break ended.

HT: Turkey 1-1 Georgia

18:03 , Chris Wilson

The teams are back out on the pitch. We’re hoping for an equally entertaining second half.

Georgia are 45 minutes away from a magnificent result in their first ever major tournament match. Can they make it even better?

Turkey won’t be disappointed with how they played, but they’ll be wary of the importance of three points here tonight.

HT: Turkey 1-1 Georgia

17:55 , Chris Wilson

HT: Turkey 1-1 Georgia

17:49 , Chris Wilson

HALF-TIME! The referee blows the whistle and it’s half-time in Dortmund after one of the most entertaining halves of the tournament so far.

1-1 at the break and this game is so finely poised.

Euro 2024: Turkey 1-1 Georgia

17:47 , Chris Wilson

46 mins

There’ll be just one minute of added time.

Clahanoglu delivers a free-kick, but it’s straight to Mamardashvili.

Euro 2024: Turkey 1-1 Georgia

17:46 , Chris Wilson

43 mins

Turkey are still probing, but they’re aware of the Georgia threat in attack. Georgia are happy to keep the ball as they look to see out the half.

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