Euro 2008 Report: Portugal 3-1 Czech Republic

Portugal went into the game with the Czech Republic knowing that they needed to put in a performance after the impressive displays of the Dutch and the Spaniards and most would say that they succeeded.

With the likes of Ronaldo and Deco in their side, you'd expect some quality from the side. They took the lead early after a scrambled effort. Giant keeper Petr Cech twice denied efforts on goal before Deco managed to force it home.

Most people thought they would then runaway with the game but within nine minutes the Czech's were level. A corner was sent in and Sionko met it with a diving header just beyond the near post and headed it into the roof of the net.

The Portuguese were stunned but as the game wore on it was the Czech's that looked the more dangerous. Milan Baros was up top on his own and run his little socks off, however as most Portsmouth fans will tell you, the final ball nor the knowledge of where his team mates were apparent as he ran with his head down a lot.

Portugal took the lead again mid-way through the second half through that man Ronaldo. Deco found the current Manchester United player on the edge of the area and he swept the ball home. It was a nice finish and it helped a lot of people's fantasy teams. Later in the game he'd pass when clean through after breaking the offside trap, which would annoy many a fantasy coach, he would get the assist but Quaresma would get the goal.

Between the two goals the Czech's flooded forward and had some real chances to grab an equaliser. Big Jan Koller came on and caused some real problems in the Portuguese defence. The Portugal goalkeeper Ricardo is about as flappy as you can be at crosses, which is something other managers will have noticed. The Czech's looked dangerous from set pieces all day long but they didn't manage to force through the second goal.

Portugal have now won the group due to their h2h records against both Turkey and the Czech Republic. They face the runner-up of Group B in the Quarter-Finals. Portugal have impressed most but I still think that are are suspect and when they come up against one of the premier sides in the tournament, they'll fall short.