Euro 2012 - Quarterfinal #1 (Czech Republic v. Portugal)

Ahhhhh, a day off for all of us to catch our breath, recharge the batteries, maybe catch up on work and just flat out relax from the stress of cheering for your team. But that is all we get, one solitary day, as the quarterfinals kick-off on Thursday. So let's look at the first game between the Czech Republic and Portgual.

Czech Republic - Portugal

After being thoroughly outclassed in their opening match against Russia, the Czech Republic rebounded nicely with two wins against Greece and Poland to grab the top position in Group A and qualify for the knock-out stage. Awaiting them in the quarterfinals are the dangerous Portuguese who knocked off both Denmark and the Netherlands. The Czechs have been playing well since their opening game and this is with arguably their best player and captain Tomas Rosicky being injured and ineffective. Instead the Czechs have been using the play of their wing backs as a catalyst to drive their attack forward, crossing balls into the box for their strikers and on-rushing midfielders to latch on to and grab the goals. Against Greece in the group stage, two of the three Czech goals were scored due to crosses into the box from their outside defenders. In order to control the game against the Portuguese, the Czechs will need to limit Portugal's creativity in the middle of the park by playing with 5 midfielders and one central striker. This would allow the Czechs to overrun the midfield and attack along the wings.

For Portugal this is THE opportunity to advance to the semi-finals due a favorable draw against the Czech Republic. This tournament can become the Cristiano Tournament if young Mr. Ronaldo is able to will his national team to the championship. Talk about adding the final piece to your CV. Regardless, if anything, Portugal goes only as far as Ronaldo takes them. With apologies to the flopping Nani and ridiculously quaffed Raul Meirelles they can't carry Cristiano's shinpads. However, the rock of the Portuguese defense, Pepe, will need to control and managed the timed midfield runs from the Czechs, specifically from Mr. Petr Jiracek. At the end of the day the Portuguese are too strong for the Czech and Mr. Ronaldo is one step closer to immortality.

Czech Republic - Portugal (1-3)


OVERALL RECORD

10-14