Thursday 21 June 2012

Czech Republic vs Portugal Review

Tonight saw the opening match of the quarter final stage at Euro 2012.


The Czech Republic and Portugal was opening match of the quarters, both teams have surprised a few by getting to this stage with the Czechs topping Group A whilst Portugal came through the so called 'Group of Death'. Portugal were favorites for this clash with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the side, the Czechs were missing captain Tomas Rosicky.


Portugal were on top for most of this game with the Czech Republic looking to sit back and catch them on the break, the opening half was a bit of a stop start affair with the Portuguese failing to create any clear cut chances. The Czechs arguably came closest as Milan Baros nearly latched on to a cross after good work down the right, the teams went in level at half time.


The second half was much of the same as Portugal looked for a way through, the Czechs were particularly negative which was reminiscent of the Dutch performance against Spain in the 2010 World Cup final. The inevitable happened eventually as Cristiano Ronaldo headed in eleven minutes from time to book his side's place in the semi final.


Portugal deserved the win as they were by far the better team, the Czech Republic did well to get to this stage but clearly missed Rosicky's influence. I think Portugal will have a real chance of reaching the final as they seem to be playing as well of Spain and France. Could this be Cristiano Ronaldo's tournament?






No comments:

Post a Comment