Czech Republic coach Michal Bilek has explained that his side will be aiming to keep things tight against Portugal, with the team desperate not to suffer the fate they experienced against Russia in their Euro 2012 opener.

 

That game saw Bilek’s team taken apart by the Russians, suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat which made their qualification to the quarter-finals, as Russia missed out, all the more remarkable.

 

Now the Czechs face an even bigger test however in the form of Portugal, who emerged from the "Group of Death" which contained Denmark, Germany and Holland.

 

Bilek is well aware that if his team allow Portugal the time and space afforded to Russia, Cristiano Ronaldo and co. could do serious damage.

 

"We know Portugal have dangerous players in midfield and up front, such as Nani, Helder Postiga and Ronaldo", said Bilek.

 

"We have that in mind and we will adjust our tactics to be more defensive", he added.

 

"We cannot play as we did against Russia. We gave them space and they punished us.

 

"Nani and Ronaldo will punish us if we do the same thing again and we do not want a repeat of the first match."

 

The Czech Republic start this evening’s quarter-final as clear underdogs, however Bilek’s men have defied the odds throughout Euro 2012 so far.

 

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