Portugal topped Group A2 thanks to two goals in first half!
Clinical match in a nutshell Portugal sneezes at the Czechs.
After giving Spain a scare on Matchday 2,
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Coach Fernando Santos of Portugal: “It is critical to never give up. The outcome is more than just. With a terrific start and possession, we controlled the game for the opening 20 minutes, but we were not very fruitful. However, we maintained control of the game and did not allow the Czech Republic to mount any counterattacks. We scored two goals but had the opportunity to score two more.”
the visitors showed patience and poise early on, soaking up pressure and coming closest when Jan Kuchta’s effort was palmed behind by Diogo Costa.
Bernardo Silva’s creativity on the right wing was crucial for Portugal,
setting up Manchester City teammate Joo Cancelo for the opener and then identifying the run of Gonçalo Guedes, who curled a lovely finish past Jindich Stank from a tight angle five minutes later.
Jaroslav ilhav made three substitutions at halftime, partly to shore up his left-hand side. Václav Jureka could only strike wide in abundant space inside the penalty area when the Czechs broke quickly from a corner,
leaving the retracing home defence in a state of collective relief.
![Portugal](https://footballnewss.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/eqcccsaww-1.png)
Portugal recovered control almost immediately, Diogo Jota’s long-range shot stinging Stank’s palms.
The 2019 UEFA Nations League champions dominated possession and cruised through the second half,
though Czech debutant Adam Vlkanova had a chance to cut the lead in half with two minutes remaining but failed to take advantage of a clear sight of goal.
Carlos Machado, match reporter Portugal demonstrated their superiority and appear to be in a fight for supremacy in Group A2 with Spain. The difference was made by the quality of their players all over the field, and the hosts also showed the patience that Fernando Santos need in order to defeat a determined and competitive Czech Republic side.