Czech Republic manager Michal Bilek admitted his side faces an uphill task of getting the better of Portugal in their quarterfinal clash on Thursday, but thinks that they have learnt from their mistakes during their heavy defeat against the Russians
in the opener.
The Czechs started off their Euro 2012 campaign on a worst possible note, experiencing a 4-1 hammering against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Greece-c2908 and Poland in their next two games, and subsequently emerged as Group A winners.
With Portugal finishing as runner-ups to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Paulo-c29431 Bento’s unit in their last-eight fixture.
Bilek revealed that he was fully aware of the challenge that lay ahead for his side, as they will be up against some of the best players in the world in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Pepe-c29670.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ronaldo-c31734 was in scintillating form against Holland, scoring a brace to help the Portuguese earn a quarterfinal berth.
Bilek said in an interview, “We know Portugal have dangerous players in midfield and up front, such as Nani, Helder Postiga and Ronaldo. We have that in mind, and we'll adjust our tactics to be more defensive.”
However, the 47-year old believed that they are likely to be punished if they give too much space to the Seleccao attackers, the same mistake they made against the Russians. However, he thinks they are better prepared this time around.
The Czechs edged co-hosts http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Poland-c2983 1-0 in their final group fixture in the absence of their skipper Tomas Rosicky, who pulled out of the game due to an injury, and his chances of featuring in Thursday night’s action are still hanging in the balance.
Nevertheless, Bilek was in awe for his team for getting the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Job-c18684 done against Poland without the services of their superstar, and insisted it will be a huge achievement if they are able to repeat the feat all over again against Portugal.
He added, “During qualifying we put together a team. We don't have any great stars, except for Tomas Rosicky and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Portugal-c2984 it will be thanks to this team.”
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Czech-Republic-c2882 will be looking to emulate their 1-0 triumph over Portugal in Euro 96 at the same juncture. However, it were the latter who emerged victorious 3-1 in their last European meeting in Euro 2008.
Tags: