Euro 2008: Portugal Defeated Czech Republic 3-1 in an Entertaining Match

Portugal made another convincing victory in Euro 2008, proving their favorite tag in the tournament. Portugal defeated Czech Republic today 3-1. The match was full of excitement as both sides created a number of goal scoring chances. With this victory, Portugal has gone a step closure to reach the quarter final.

From the very beginning, the match was full of excitement as both sides went for attack. Deco scored the first goal for Portugal after Cristiano Ronaldo’s pass for Nuno Gome was stopped by goal keeper Petr Cech, but Deco found the ball to send it into the net from very close to the post. In the 17^th minute, Czech Republic got the equalizer as Jaroslav Plasil's corner kick was met by the head of the diving Libor Sionko. First half was ended in 1-1, despite a number of clear chances being created by both sides. Cristiano Ronaldo’s opportunistic attempt was tremendously blocked by Czech Republic goal keeper Petr Cech in the 42^nd minute. Czech Republic also created some excellent chances but could not capitalize fully on those chances.

Portugal was in more attacking mode in the second half and from the very beginning they created a many chances. However, Libor Sionko led Czech Republic to attack Portuguese half and created some good chances. Petr Cech and Czech defenders denied Portuguese players a number of goals, but in the 63^rd minute, Cristiano Ronaldo put Portugal ahead with his first goal in the tournament from a pass by Deco. Following the goal, Czech Republic went for all out attack looking for second equalizer and threatened in Portuguese defense for a number of times including an super head by a Czech player in the 83^rd minute, but Portugal goal keeper superbly saved it for corner kick. In the closing minutes, Portugal got their third goal from a counter attack. Substitute Ricardo Quaresma scored an easy goal sending the ball into the empty post, after Ronaldo unselfishly provided the pass for Quaresma.

Now, it is almost certain that Portugal is going to reach the quarter final from Group A. The question comes that who will be these team to join Portugal in the last eight from this group. Czech Republic must win the next match against Turkey in order to ensure a spot in the quarter final. Portugal will play their last group stage match against co-host Switzerland.

Related article:

BBC

International Herald Tribune