Soccer
Portugal defeat Czech Republic to maintain top spot in Nations League group
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Portugal ran out 2-0 winners over the Czech Republic on Thursday with goals from João Cancelo and Gonçalo Guedes.
The Portuguese entered the match atop Group 2 of the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League A, and they maintained that position with a convincing performance against the visiting Czechs in Lisbon.
Dominant on the ball throughout, Portugal rarely played a miss pass and thoroughly outshot their opponents (5-1 on target). Following up on a 4-0 dismantling of Switzerland over the weekend, the Portuguese appeared eager to repeat that one-sided score line on Thursday.
However, they would just get the two first-half goals, which came in rapid-fire succession just after the half-hour mark. First up was Cancelo, who put his side in front in the 33rd minute with a well-struck effort from a tight angle, before Guedes scored five minutes later to truly put the game out of reach.
Although they had a handful of chances through the duration of the match, Portugal would have to settle for the two-goal victory.
The Portuguese now have seven points after three matches, giving them a two-point lead over second-place Spain ahead of Matchday 4 later this week.
