In a thrilling EURO 2024 opener, Portugal, led by the experienced duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe, overcame Czechia with a 2-1 victory. Here are the key highlights of their performance and achievements:
**Age Milestones:**
– **Cristiano Ronaldo:** At 39 years and 134 days old, Ronaldo extended his record as the player with the most tournament appearances in European Championship history, featuring in his sixth Euro.
– **Pepe:** Aged 41 years and 113 days, Pepe became the oldest outfield player to participate in a European Championship match, showcasing his enduring ability at the highest level.
**Match Recap:**
– **Early Setback:** Portugal fell behind when Lukas Provod scored for Czechia in the 62nd minute, putting them 1-0 up.
– **Late Drama:** The game took a turn in Portugal’s favor when Robin Hranac scored an own goal in the 69th minute, leveling the score at 1-1.
– **Last-Minute Winner:** In dramatic fashion, Portugal secured the victory with a 92nd-minute goal from Francisco Conceicao, sealing a 2-1 win over Czechia.
**Performance and Impact:**
– **Ronaldo’s Leadership:** Despite playing in the Saudi Pro League for Al Nassr, Ronaldo demonstrated his enduring quality and leadership, leading Portugal’s attack with his trademark skill and experience.
– **Pepe’s Defensive Role:** Pepe, known for his robust defending, provided stability and composure at the back, guiding Portugal through challenging moments in the match.
**Historic Achievement:**
– **Combined Age:** Ronaldo and Pepe, with a combined age of 80 years, showcased that age is just a number in football, breaking records and inspiring Portugal to a crucial victory in their quest for European glory.
**Group Position:**
– **Group F Standing:** Following their victory, Portugal currently sits second in Group F behind Turkiye, who also won their opening match against Georgia.
Overall, Ronaldo and Pepe’s performance not only highlighted their individual milestones but also underscored their invaluable contributions to Portugal’s success on the international stage. As they continue their campaign in EURO 2024, their experience and leadership will be pivotal for Portugal’s aspirations in the tournament.