Czech Republic vs. Portugal Preview

The National Stadium in Warsaw will be the setting for the first quarter-final of Euro 2012 between Czech Republic and Portugal on Thursday June 21.

The two nations met at the same stage of the competition twelve years ago when the Czech’s came out on top against the odds courtesy of a goal from former Manchester United flop Karel Poborsky.

A far different outcome will be expected this time around and Portugal look in strong contention to go all the way after escaping from the ‘Group of Death’ at the expense of Holland and Denmark.

Paulo Bento’s side were arguably a little unfortunate to lose the opening game of the tournament against Germany considering how well they played in the second half however they made amends in style by beating the Scandinavians and the Dutch to reach the last eight.

And their performance against the latter signified a team full of confidence – spearheaded by Real Madrid maestro Cristiano Ronaldo who finally translated his best form onto the international stage.

The Czech Republic equalled Portugal’s record of two wins and six points in the group phase and they too had to recover from a reversal in match day one.

Indeed, the Czech’s come back was perhaps even more impressive taking into account the fact that they were outplayed and battered by Russia 4-1 at the start of the championship.

But the quality of opposition overall in Group A was of a far lower standard to that what Portugal had to deal with in Group B – and the Czech’s may now find themselves struggling to cope again as matters really begin to get serious.

The crux of Czech Republic’s problems look to be at the back and it is hard to dismiss how they were spliced open at will by a Russian outfit who appeared nothing special in the two subsequent group games.

And Portugal will provide an even sterner test for Michel Kadlec and co who will be woefully desperate of speed when faced with the likes of Ronaldo, Nani and Joao Moutinho.

Many believed prior to Euro 2012 that Portugal’s best days were far gone and that it would be difficult for them to replicate the efforts of previous sides which had boasted world class players such as Rui Costa, Luis Figo and Deco.

But Ronaldo has to stack up in equal if not greater measure to those legends of the past and Bento has pulled off a real masterstroke by making Ron captain of his country.

That responsibility has brought about a new maturity and an even bigger swagger to his game, which can be the main cause of damage to the Czech’s.

Quarter-finals are usually tight affairs and odds-on shots rarely appeal to the majority of punters; nevertheless Portugal have to be fancied to triumph in ninety minutes.

The 2004 finalists are 4/5; a fair reflection of their class and that price can be enhanced by including Ronaldo in a wincast wager.

The Czech’s are as big as 5/1 to repeat their Euro 1996 effort whilst the draw is available at 5/2.

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19/06/2012     © Frixo 2024