Euro 2008: Czech Republic 1-3 Portugal (Match Report and Video)

June 12th, 2008

This game was expected to be a thrilling one, with both teams winning their first matches. Confusingly, the Czech Republic players were wearing all red, where as the Portuguese played in all white.

The game got off to a flying start, with both teams trying to take the initiative. It didn’t take long for Portugal to get a grip of the game, and it was after just eight minutes that Portugal scored their first goal. After Ronaldo had been blocked by Petr Cech, the ball rolled to Deco, who was also blocked by Cech, but the Chelsea goal keeper couldn’t keep out the third shot, which again fell to Deco, who just about got it through the defender’s legs and into the Czech goal.

Just nine minutes later, Czech Republic got a corner, and a superb cross, sloppy defending and a great header allowed Libor Sionko to equalize for the Czech team, pulling away from his marker and heading beyond Portugal goal keeper Ricardo.

After that, Czech Republic pretty much dominated the first half, with Portugal getting an occasional break, but Czech Republic seemed well in control, passing around fluently and creating one or two opportunities. Just before half time, though, Ronaldo got a free kick thirty three meters from the goal, and everyone’s heads were turned. The ball swerved violently through the air, but the strong hands of Petr Cech kept the ball out.

As Czech Republic kicked off for the second half, it was soon apparent Portugal were going to get the third goal of the game, playing fluent football and creating some good opportunities. Then, inevitably, on the sixty third minute Deco played ‘that man’ Cristiano Ronaldo in to smash the ball under a helpless Petr Cech from just outside the penalty area.

Portugal knew they were not safe yet though, and kept on playing brilliant football. Czech Republic looked increasingly beaten as the game progressed, and then in stoppage time for the end of the game a counter attack and a long ball led to Ronaldo selfishly passing to Quaresma who passed the ball calmly into open goal.

Overall a good performance from Portugal, who are almost definitely through to the knock out stage, all they have to do is get a point against Switzerland and they are guaranteed a place in the last eight.

Final Score:
Czech Republic 1 – 3 Portugal

Watch the GOALS:

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Entry Filed under: Euro 2008

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