The Seleccao face a tough task against the Czechs, who ousted http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Russia-c2991 to qualify for the knock-out stage from Group A.
Portugal:
Having lost their opening game to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Silvestre-Varela-c33505, they were able to down Bendtner and co. in a thrilling 3-2 encounter.
Against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Cristiano-Ronaldo-c9629, who scored twice to send the Dutch sailing back home. Now in a relatively easy quarter-final against the Czechs, the Navigators have to retain their
focus and go for the win, which should be well within their reach.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Czech-Republic-c2882:
As the surprise toppers of Group A, Michal Bilek and his troops were able to conquer the mighty Russians, who looked unplayable at times. Their skipper Tomas Rosicky was the creative man behind the goals and should look to do the same against
the Portuguese, although their main priority has to be stopping the in-form http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ronaldo-c31734.
Team News:
Portugal:
With no injury concerns at all, Paulo Bento will surely name his strongest line-up to combat the Czechs, with Cristiano Ronaldo the definite danger man. The Real Madrid man looked out of sorts in the opening two games, but was able to recoup some of his
magic against the Netherlands, whom he single handedly destroyed.
The attacker should start on the left, while Manchester United’s Luis http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Nani-c27299 will be on the left wing, acting as a supplier to target-man Helder Postiga.
In midfield, Joao Moutinho and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Fabio-c13152 Coentrao will act
as wingbacks.
Rui Patricio is the current goalkeeper and a very solid one at that. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Portugal-c2984 emulate the Blues they will surely be on course for silverware this summer.
"I won the Champions League with Chelsea and no one was backing us. We have to be realistic and think match by match. But it is true that Chelsea's example makes me dream. This is a dream that every Portuguese has, but it will be very hard to realise. If
we do it, it would be a tremendous feat,” he said.
"If Czech Republic are in the quarter-finals, it is because they good. We have shown that we are a well-organized team, with quality players who can make the difference up front,” the midfielder was quoted as saying.
Czech Republic:
The Czechs have a major injury worry, with skipper Tomas Rosicky currently a doubt for the quarter-final. The http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Daniel-c9879 Kolar will act as the midfield fulcrum in his stead.
Milan Baros is the country’s other main man and will be looking to churn out a decent performance, after being subdued for most of the Group stage.
Key Players:
Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo
The forward will be looking to secure a semi-final berth with a good showing against the Czechs and perhaps strengthen his case for Ballon D’Or win.
Czech Republic: Milan Baros
The former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 forward is his country’s most potent attacking weapon and will be aiming to break his duck in the tournament.
Prediction:
Portugal 3-0 Czech Republic
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