In the buildup to Portugal's European Championship opener against the Czech Republic, the spotlight was on 39-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo. However, it was a young player who ended up stealing the headlines in Germany.
Leipzig was filled with fans wearing 'Ronaldo 7' shirts, eager to see the veteran forward make his record sixth European Championship appearance. They hoped he would score, but it was Francisco Conceicao—18 years younger than Ronaldo—who netted the dramatic winner in Portugal's 2-1 victory in their Group F opener.
Conceicao scored with practically his first touch after coming on for his competitive debut. Former England striker Alan Shearer praised his impact, saying on BBC One, "You are sent on to change the game and to do something. You have to make an impact as a sub." Ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy added, "What a story. There was me saying: 'What can you do in three minutes as a substitute?' He got a bit of luck with the deflection but he wasn't going to miss that."
Conceicao, son of former Portugal player Sergio, celebrated the moment with a delighted Ronaldo, who high-fived his teammates. Portugal boss Roberto Martinez praised the youngster, saying, "Francisco is the ultimate example of earning it. He deserves to be here and showed he is ready to help the group. He showed character and his worth."
At 39, Ronaldo is nearing the end of his career at the highest level, though his teammate Pepe, appearing at 41, shows he might still have a few major tournaments left in him. Critics argue Ronaldo's presence in the starting XI hinders Portugal, making the forward line less mobile. However, many Portugal fans in Leipzig disagreed. One fan called him "the best in the world," while another, Marta, emphasized his importance beyond the pitch, saying, "He is still important because he has the motivation and the spirit and he unites the team. Even outside the team, he is like a symbol that unites all."
Despite not scoring against the Czech Republic, Ronaldo had his chances. He was twice denied by goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek in the first half and saw a header deflected wide after the break. Fans eagerly anticipated his free-kick 25 yards from goal, only to see it comfortably caught by Stanek.
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes highlighted Ronaldo's experience, saying, "We all know that it is important to have experienced players, like Cristiano Ronaldo. In fact, Pepe is probably the most experienced in the entire tournament. We know they are vital to us."
Former Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas noted Ronaldo's enduring contribution, saying on BBC One, "Whatever you do, if Ronaldo plays well or the team plays well, he always finds a chance. He takes care of himself to another level. He needs just one little moment of space to create a chance. His overall play has been much better than the last couple of years."
Shearer acknowledged Ronaldo's desire but suggested he might need to accept a reduced role for the team's benefit. "This is key to whether Portugal can go on and win the competition because if he accepts he cannot play 90 minutes every game, that will go a long way to them winning this," he added. "When waking up after games and having that desire to go again, when you are in pain, that hunger and desire to be the very best. Everyone speaks in glowing terms about his attitude, it is phenomenal."
Ronaldo had expressed confidence in this generation of Portugal players before the tournament, hoping they could replicate the 2016 win. His joyous reaction to Conceicao's winner suggests he prioritizes the team's success over his own, giving Portugal every reason to believe they can go far in Germany.
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