Group A favourites Portugal and the Czech Republic recorded wins Saturday on the opening day of the European Championship, putting both teams on the way to the quarter-finals.
Portugal had a goal from Pepe disallowed for offside in the first half, but the defender put in another in the second half to help the 2006 World Cup semifinalists to a 2-0 win over Turkey in Geneva.
Raul Meireles added the second goal in injury time.
The Czechs spoiled co-host Switzerland’s party with a 1-0 win in Basel when Vaclav Sverkos scored his first international goal in the 71st minute in only his third appearance. Sverkos ran onto Tomas Galasek’s header after beating the offside trap and finished to the left of goalkeeper Diego Benaglio.
“It was the best moment of my football career,” Sverkos said. “I’d be happy to score more goals.”
Despite not playing his best, Cristiano Ronaldo had some of Portugal’s most dangerous chances but failed to capitalize.
