Cristiano Ronaldo achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first player to participate in six European Championships as Portugal rallied from behind to defeat Czech Republic 2-1 in Leipzig at Euro 2024 on Tuesday.
The 39-year-old made his tournament debut in 2004, when Portugal lost to Greece in the final as hosts. He later led his country to victory at Euro 2016, his sole major international title, although he was substituted due to injury in the first half of the final.
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Despite currently playing for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr outside Europe’s top-five leagues, Ronaldo was selected by Portugal coach Roberto Martinez for his goal-scoring abilities, praised before the tournament began.
Starting in Portugal’s Group F opener against Czech Republic, Ronaldo had a relatively quiet game with occasional flashes of brilliance, including a late header that hit the post and was disallowed for offside following VAR review. However, substitute Francisco Conceição secured a dramatic late winner in the 92nd minute with a close-range tap-in.
Although Portugal dominated possession, Czech Republic took the lead through Lukáš Provod’s superb long-range strike in the 62nd minute. Portugal equalized soon after when Czech goalkeeper Jindřich Staněk mishandled a routine cross, deflecting it off his own defender Robin Hranáč into the net.
Ronaldo, who has scored in all five previous Euros he has played in, holds the tournament record with 14 goals. He could become the oldest goal-scorer in Euros history if he scores in Germany this year.
Tuesday also saw Portuguese defender Pepe, aged 41 years and 113 days, become the oldest player to feature in a European Championship match.
Portugal’s next match is against Turkey on Saturday, followed by a fixture against Georgia next Wednesday.
