Portugal should book their place in the semi-finals of Euro 2012, as they come up against a Czech Republic side who topped their group.
Portugal should book their place in the semi-finals of Euro 2012, as they come up against a Czech Republic side who actually topped their group.
The Czechs started poorly as they were comprehensively beaten 4-1 by a rampant Russian side. Despite pulling a goal back through Vaclav Pilar, two goals from Alan Dzagoev and Roman Pavlyuchenko put the tie to bed.
But they bounced back to record a 2-1 victory over Greece, and saw off co-hosts Poland 1-0 in the final group game to set-up the clash with Portugal.
Although they topped their group, they were in one of the weaker groups at the competition, and will be facing stern opposition in Portugal.
The Portuguese managed to qualify from the “Group of Death”, bouncing back from a 1-0 defeat against the Germans, Mario Gomez heading the only goal of the game.
They hit back against Denmark, despite a Nicklas Bendtner brace, with a late winner from Silvestre Varela.
And the 2-1 win against the Netherlands, with a two-goal haul from talisman Cristiano Ronaldo, hinted that the Portuguese may be hitting form at the right time of the tournament.
With a midfield containing Raul Meireles, Miguel Veloso and Joao Moutinho, their defence should be well-protected, and they have Nani and Ronaldo supporting the experienced Helder Postiga.
Although not necessarily likely to win the tournament outright, the Portuguese should be confident of over-coming a Czech side that has failed to really impress so far.
Score prediction: Portugal 3-1 Czech Republic
Link to www.absoluteradio.co.uk/euro2012.
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