What: Euro 2012 Quarter-finals
Who: Czech Republic vs Portugal
When: Thursday 21st June, 2012, at 19:45 UK time
Where: National Stadium, Warsaw, Poland
Top of the Group
Not even the Czech Republic squad would have imagined topping their group after their opening day 4-1 destruction at the hands of Russia. However, wins over Greece and co-hosts Poland propelled the Czechs to the top of Group A, where they prepare to meet Group B runners-up Portugal in Warsaw.
The Czechs will be hoping to revive memories of 1996 when they beat Portugal in this competition and marched all the way to the final. However, goalkeeper Petr Cech believes that it is the Seleccao who are favourites to advance when the two teams meet in the Polish capital.
“They are among the world’s top ten teams. It’s a team full of personalities and outstanding players, and they play very well. Against the Netherlands on Sunday, they were excellent up front," said the recent Champions League winner. "They also have enough experienced players. The team has matured and it’s really strong”.
In order to meet the winner of Spain vs France, the Czechs need to watch out for Cristiano Ronaldo, who was in inspiring form for Portugal against Holland. Having blasted in a brace, the Real Madrid man is in top form.
Extra Motivation
In a group that pitted them next to heavy favourites Germany and 2010 FIFA World Cup finalists Holland, Portugal did not look likely to qualify for the next round, at least theoretically. However, two wins after an opening defeat to Germany coupled with the Oranje’s disastrous form meant that Paulo Bento’s side managed to clinch the second qualifying ticket and extend their visit to Poland/Ukraine.
A brace from Real Madrid icon Ronaldo against Holland earned Portugal the result they needed in order to book a quarter-final spot. Now, the competition only gets tougher, but Chelsea midfielder Raul Meireles believes that anything is possible at this stage for his side, as he draws comparison between his club and national team.
“I was a European champion with Chelsea when nobody made Chelsea favourites. We when started, nobody put Portugal amongst the favourites. If we can do the same, it would be a dream."
The key to victory here could be Portugal keeping their defence tight. The Czech Republic can be a damaging force on the counter-attack and being caught napping by Michal Bilek’s men may have dire consequences for the Portuguese.
Recent form
Czech Republic:
Russia 4-1 Czech Republic (08/06; Euro 2012)
Greece 1-2 Czech Republic (12/06; Euro 2012)
Czech Republic 1-0 Poland (16/06; Euro 2012)
Portugal:
Germany 1-0 Portugal (09/06; Euro 2012)
Denmark 2-3 Portugal (13/06; Euro 2012)
Portugal 2-1 Holland (17/06; Euro 2012)
Players to watch
Czech Republic – Milan Baros: The former Liverpool man is no longer the striker he once was with the Reds. However, his threat remains ever present in the penalty box. Bruno Alves and Pepe will have to keep him on a short leash, and the latter needs to be extra careful not to be tempted to foul the forward.
Portugal – Cristiano Ronaldo: The 2008 Ballon d’Or winner came to life against Holland, scoring two well taken goals that kept his detractors at bay, at least for the moment. Failure with the national team is something both he and Lionel Messi share, and winning Euro 2012 would see him get one over on his Argentinean foe.
Match Prediction
This one will be a closely fought fixture between the two sides. Neither were expected to reach this stage, but a surge following a maiden group phase loss entitled them to live to see another day. With Ronaldo’s morale sky-high, expect the Seleccao to go through 2-1.
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