The Czech Republic beat Greece 2-1 in their Euro 2012 Group A clash yesterday to put themselves in a strong position to qualify for the quarter-finals – but coach Michal Bilek stressed that his team will take nothing for granted.
Bilek’s men hit Greece with a quickfire double as Petr Jiracek (3rd minute) and Vaclav Pilar (6th minute) sent the Czechs racing into a two-goal lead.
Greece were shocked and saw their Euro 2012 hopes dangling by a thread.
Fernando Santos’s side did recover in the second half, scoring through striker Fanis Gekas in the 53rd minute, but despite pushing forward, Greece could find no equaliser.
Now the Greeks have the enviable task of trying to beat Russia in their final group match, while hoping the Czech Republic vs Poland goes their way.
Czech boss Bilek explained that his side knew their Euro 2012 would be over if they lost, and that concentrated minds.
“We knew it would be the end of our Euro if we had lost”, said Bilek, before insisting his men will be focused for their last match, against Poland.
“You can start the match thinking a point is enough, but it is never a good thing to play with this attitude. We have to fight in the last match and get points out of it.”
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