Czech Republic 1-3 Portugal - Footbo

Portugal withstood the challenge of a much-improved Czech side to guarantee their place in the quarter finals of Euro 2008.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's men took an early lead through a scrappy Deco goal, only for the Czechs to come roaring back thanks to a brave diving header from Libor Sionko.

But despite dominating much of the play, the Czechs lacked the quality to make their possession count and they were made to pay in the second half, thanks in no small part to the most-hyped player at the tournament.

After a disappointing start to the tournament, Cristiano Ronaldo finally showed his quality in the second half, scoring Portugal's second goal and creating the third to seal Portugal's place in the knockout stage.

They still lack a quality centre forward - Nuno Gomes failed to impress for the second game in a row - and Scolari may well be considering a change up front for Portugal's final group match with Switzerland.

With the amount of talent he has in wide areas, he could do a lot worse than playing Ronaldo through the middle and bring the scorer of Portugal's third goal, Ricardo Quaresma, into the side.

With a front three of Simao, Ronaldo and Quaresma, Portugal would have a strikeforce capable of firing them to Euro 2008 glory. But we've yet to see Portugal against a side of real quality in this tournament. 

They'll almost certainly have to get past the Germans if they want to win it - and that's a match I can't wait to see. 

By  Simon Head  |  Posted on 12.06.2008 09:34 |  Tags: Deco,Ricardo Quaresma,Libor Sionko,Cristiano Ronaldo,Czech Republic,Portugal,Group A,Euro 2008
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Comments (4):

Simon, I think it was a great match yesterday. I also agree that the Czech Republic was much improved. We will now see a great match between them and Turkey ! I have to say that I believe Portugal was a bit lucky yesterday. The game could have easily ended in a draw. Not Ronaldo is the most important man for Portugal, but Deco. Where was he the whole time this season when Barca needed him?
Created by: Mani Honigstein       Posted on: 12.06.2008 09:54
I think that Deco's a spent force at the very top level. His speed of thought doesn't seem as sharp in previous tournaments. I think Joao Moutinho is his natural successor, though I thought he had a pretty average game himself. Scolari's got to put Ronaldo through the middle though. He'd be far more potent than Nuno Gomes, and it would also allow Quaresma, who I rate very highly, into the side.
Created by: Simon Head       Posted on: 12.06.2008 10:02
The thing with great players is that they dont have to "perform" all the time - all it takes is one move, pass, shot and its all worth it. Ronaldo is a great player, but he needs to stamp himself over the tournament. And if portugal face up against germany, who do you think will win?!
Created by: Danny Fenton       Posted on: 12.06.2008 10:34
I'd be backing Germany. They might not have the flair that Portugal possess, but you need more than a few step-overs and some well-timed dives to win a tournament. The Germans are always well organised, play superbly well as a team and, crucially, look like they can score from all over the pitch. I'm a little worried about the centre of their defence, which looks vulnerable to me, but I think they'll be too streetwise for Portugal, who have done OK so far, but nothing more.
Created by: Simon Head       Posted on: 12.06.2008 10:48
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