Do not count Group A winners Czech Republic out
There is no point counting the Czech Republic out unless one ignores the many upsets that have happened in football. “We haven't lost yet, of course you can beat anyone on a good day. We definitely have a chance to advance. It is sport and anything can happen,” Petr Cech calmly told AFP ahead of Thursday’s huge clash against Portugal.
How many people actually predicted that Russia would exit UEFA Euro 2012 in the first round? They started so well against the Czechs but eventually lost the group phase marathon. The Czechs, on the contrary, redefined belief and unity to qualify into the quarter-finals as Group A winners.
They are the only team to have beaten Poland in Group A and they managed this feat in difficult circumstances. The Polish went into their final group game with high hopes after securing a vital draw against Russia. In addition, the UEFA Euro 2012 co-hosts had the priceless backing of their home fans.
However, these factors counted for nothing as goalkeeper Petr Cech finally dazzled in post while the entire Czech team perfectly worked out their strategy. In the end, the Czechs won against the odds. They now carry a good amount of momentum ahead of Thursday’s quarter-final battle against tie favourites Portugal.
Michal Bilek might have learnt his lessons
Against Russia, Bilek made the terrible mistake of daring to play attacking football when he really should not have. This left the Czech Republic’s defence wide open at the benefit of the Russians. In knockout stage matches, there is no room for error.
Coach Michal Bilek is certainly aware of Portugal’s potential in attack. The Euro 2004 finalists have players that can force defenders to commit blunders in the wings. Pace is one of the Portuguese’s attributes. However, wastefulness in front of goal is also one of their defects.
As much as the Czechs are not ashamed of being underdogs in this fixture, they may opt to play a defensive match. The fewer space Portugal will have, the more frustrated their star players will be. Talking about manipulation, there is one man the Czech Republic will need to target; who else but captain Cristiano Ronaldo?
Cristiano Ronaldo – from heroics to histrionics
It is incredible how Cristiano Ronaldo can turn from a hero to a drama queen. The 27-year-old player is immensely gifted as a footballer but if there is one thing he has to improve on, it must be his temper.
Ronaldo is obsessed about perfection; this is why he has evolved from being a poor kid playing in Madeira to the world’s most expensive footballer. However, there is a negative side to his winning mentality.
He is happy when his tricks on the ball work out but when he is well-contained by defenders, the star winger instantly crumbles under nervousness. In order words, it is widely believed that Cristiano Ronaldo struggles to get bigger in big occasions.
In his last match against the Netherlands, Ronaldo finally lived up to expectations with a brace which fired Portugal into the Euro 2012 quarter-finals. While he is looking to build on that feat, the Czechs are also plotting to bring him down.
The Petr Cech vs Cristiano Ronaldo duel
In an interview with Sky Sports, Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech described Cristiano Ronaldo as “a player who works hard to get better and he's got a powerful shot. He's dangerous because he is able to shoot with both the right and left foot from any position.”
“It's crucial not to give him space because his speed is exceptional,” Petr Cech added. The Chelsea man is familiar with Cristiano Ronaldo. He almost destroyed the Portuguese star’s rise to greatness when he saved his spot kick in the 2008 UEFA Champions League final.
Could Petr Cech win the duel against Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo and eventually end the latter’s quest for the FIFA Ballon d’Or title currently held by rival Lionel Messi?
