Cristiano Ronaldo leads Portugal against Czech Republic at Euro 2024 in the final game of the first round of group fixtures in Germany.
Roberto Martinez’s unexpected decision over Ronaldo has seen the Selecao bolster their credentials as one of the competition’s favourites. The Portuguese have one of the most talented squads at the tournament, with a balance of experience – brought by players such as Ronaldo, Pepe, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva – mixing with the exciting talent of youngsters including Goncalo Inacio, Rafael Leao and Joao Neves.
Though they won Euro 2016, the Selecao are looking to add to their disappointingly empty trophy cabinet, having notably lost on home soil to Greece in the final of 2004.
The Czech Republic enter the tournament with little expectation despite a strong showing at Euro 2020, where Patrik Schick finished as joint-top scorer as they went out to Denmark in the quarter-finals. They’ll be hoping for a similarly strong performance this time round, with the added experience of players such as Tomas Soucek and Adam Hlozek potentially vital.
Follow all the latest news and match action in our live blog below, as well as the reaction to the day’s other games:
Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic
Soucek loses it in midfield and Portugal counter, but Fernandes and Leao are too indecisive and the Czechs regroup.
Chris Wilson18 June 2024 20:33
Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic
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.
Chris Wilson18 June 2024 20:31
Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic
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.
Chris Wilson18 June 2024 20:30
Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic
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.
Chris Wilson18 June 2024 20:28
Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic
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.
Chris Wilson18 June 2024 20:25
Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic
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.
Chris Wilson18 June 2024 20:23
Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic
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.
Chris Wilson18 June 2024 20:21
Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic
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.
Chris Wilson18 June 2024 20:18
Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic
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.
Chris Wilson18 June 2024 20:14
Euro 2024: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic
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.
Chris Wilson18 June 2024 20:13