Czech Republic v Portugal – Match Preview

Czech Republic coach Michal Bilek believes his side can shock Portugal in Thursday’s Euro 2012 quarter final providing they show the form that saw them progress as Group A winners.

Despite losing 4-1 to Russia in their opening game of the tournament the Czech’s bounced back to beat Greece and co-hosts Poland to set up the last eight meeting with Portuguese.

Bilek is aware that they will go into the game as underdogs but has called on his players replicate those performances against the Euro 2004 runners up insisting defensive organisation will be their greatest strength.

“Portugal are favourites, they have strong players,” Bilek said. “But if we repeat the performances against Greece and Poland then we have a good chance of going through.”

“I think the key to our recent victories has been on defence. In our first game we left too many spaces and Russia punished us (4-1).

“We learned a lot from that game and I’m sure we will not make the same mistakes.”

After beating Holland in the final round of fixtures to finish as runners up to Spain in Group B to reach the knockout phase coach Paulo Bento is keen for his side to retain focus and not let the increase in expectation distract them.

Bento was humble in his assessment of Portugal’s performance at the finals but remained optimistic that they could reach the semi-finals with victory over the Czech’s in Warsaw.

“We are not getting carried away by the euphoria,” he said. “We are satisfied and proud of what we have done so far.

“We had a chance to celebrate that result but that time has passed and we are just focusing on what is ahead. Tomorrow’s game gives us a chance to play for a semi-final spot.

“I am confident that tomorrow we will play in the same manner we have done so far, with consistency and humility.If we don’t win tomorrow, we will compliment our opponents.

“We always try to defend and to attack with the maximum number of players possible. We have to use our strengths and try to hide our weaknesses.”

Team News

Tomas Rosicky remains a doubt for the Czech Republic with the Achilles injury picked up against Greece with Daniel Kolar on standby to start.

Paulo Bento has no injury concerns in the Portugal campt after Bruno Alves and Raul Meireles overcame knocks.

Key Players

Petr Jiracek

Having scored and turned in a man of the match display against Greece the Wolfsburg midfielder was the star of the show once again netting the winning goal against Poland to send the Czech’s into the last eight. Michal Bilek will be counting Jiracek to produce another energetic performance to help see off Portugal in the quarter finals.

Cristiano Ronaldo

After two subdued games Ronaldo burst into life against Holland scoring twice to send Portugal into the last eight and finally stamp his authority on a major international tournament. If the Real Madrid frontman can repeat his heroics Paolo Bento’s men will comfortably secure passage to the semi finals.

Prediction: 1-2