Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes and Al Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo both sent out clear-cut messages after Portugal produced a stunning comeback against the Czech Republic.
Portugal entered Euro 2024 in Germany as one of the tournament favourites after Roberto Martinez’s men enjoyed a superb qualifying campaign.
The Euro 2016 champions had finished top of Group J after winning all 10 qualifiers, with Portugal scoring an impressive 36 times and only conceding twice.
However, Portugal were forced to navigate a tricky Group F encounter with the Czech Republic and were initially placed on the back foot in Tuesday’s clash.
Lukas Provod stunned Portugal in the Group F opener after he produced a sensational finish from outside the box and curled his effort past Diogo Costa.
The Czech Republic’s lead only lasted seven minutes after the ball deflected off Robin Hranac and landed in the back of his team’s net.
Diogo Jota had his strike cancelled out by VAR in the 87th minute after it was ruled that Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo was marginally offside.
But Roberto Martinez’s side ensured all three points on the night, with Francisco Conceicao coming off the bench and finding the winner deep into injury time.
Fernandes sends message after Portugal comeback
Portugal’s win over the Czech Republic moved Roberto Martinez’s side into second place, with Turkey currently top of Group F.
Turkey climbed to the top of Group F after a thrilling 3-1 win over Georgia on Tuesday at Borussia Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion stadium.
Portugal will face Turkey in their next Group F encounter on Saturday before taking on Georgia ahead of punching their ticket to the knockout stages.
Bruno Fernandes played all 90 minutes for Portugal against the Czech Republic and impressed with his showing at RB Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena stadium.
The 29-year-old Manchester United star took to social media after the match and sent a heartfelt message to Portugal fans after the comeback win.
“Together until the end,” he wrote on Instagram.
Ronaldo reacts to Portugal win
Cristiano Ronaldo, much like former United teammate Fernandes, made his feelings clear after the Czech Republic match and sent a rallying call for Portugal.
Speaking in an Instagram post, he wrote: “All the way Portugal!!!”
Roberto Martinez revealed that Portugal captain Ronaldo had been included in his Euro 2024 squad based on his “merit” and not by his name or stature.
“Cristiano is in the team on merit, no-one gets in by having a name,” he said.
“He scored 51 goals in 50 games and he scored 10 in qualifying.
“For us, he’s a goalscorer, someone who can make that final move, stretch defenders, open spaces.
“He has changed his way of playing slightly, but he’s in on merit and the numbers are there to back that up.”