By Victor Kanayo
Portuguese Captain Cristiano Ronaldo hit an entirely new mark in his career with a record-extending sixth European Championship.
In a similar fashion, 41-year-old defender Pepe became the tournament’s oldest ever player for the Selecao.
Portugal beat the Czech Republic 2-1 to claim a Euro 2024 debut victory but they needed to come from behind with a 92nd-minute winner from youngster Francisco Conceicao.
Roberto Martinez’s Portugal qualified at a canter with a 100 per cent record, but only just scraped victory in Leipzig in their first match under driving rain.
Around 8,000 fans attended Portugal’s open training session on Saturday, many of whom were hoping for a glimpse of the 39-year-old former Real Madrid striker.
Thousands of fans sported replica Ronaldo shirts but were unable to watch the all-time record Euros goalscorer find the net on a frustrating night against a solid Czech side.
Ronaldo was thrice denied by goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek on a record Euros appearance and headed against the post, but was offside.
