These two teams have met each other a total of eleven times dating back to the days of Czechoslovakia. The two most recent results are a split as each of them won once. Portugal will not be able to forget the last time these two met in a knockout round in Euro 1996 as Karel Poborsky sent the Czech Republic through after an incredible chip over Vitor Baia.
This time around, Portugal appears to have the upper hand, at least on paper. The Portuguese have a world class lineup with many of them taking part in the world's best football league's as well as the world's most elite team's. All of that clearly won't be a factor on the field, but the Czech Republic will be more than motivated coming in as the underdog.
Play off of Ronaldo's confidence
Cristiano Ronaldo may have had one of his best performances, if not his best since taking over as Portugal's captain. The added pressure was clearly causing problems for Ronaldo, but Portugal fans will hope his jitters are gone. Ronaldo had a brilliant performance against what many believed to be the weakest defense in Group B, but that still shouldn't take away from what he did.
He will head into the quarter-finals match with the Czech Republic on a confidence high. His teammates were clearly delighted to see the best of Ronaldo come out against Holland, and they will now have to do their part on Thursday. With an inspired Ronaldo, things become much easier for Portugal going forward. The Portuguese players will have to use their captains confidence to their advantage.
Be patient in their offensive build-up & take their chances
The Czech Republic will be well aware that they are the underdogs going into their quarter-final match with Portugal. The Czech's will more than likely play a compact and disciplined style, looking to hit Portugal on the counter attack. Portugal will have to make sure they don't get caught out trying to force things offensively.
Some of the Portuguese players have shown in the past that they can get easily frustrated, but they can't afford to let that happen on Thursday. The Czech Republic will be aggressive and ready to frustrate the Portuguese in any way they can.
Having conceded five goals in three matches, only Ireland conceded more in the Group Stage. With that being said, the Czech's clearly don't have the best of defenses and Portugal will have to take advantage of that. Having missed a few clear-cut opportunities during the Group Stage, the Portuguese will have to make sure they take their opportunities.
Shut down Jiracek and Pilar going forward
Four goals have been scored in favor of the Czech Republic and Petr Jiracek and Vaclav Pilar have two goals each. They have very good offensive tendencies and like to get forward from their midfield any chance they can. Milan Baros has not been the offensive threat he once was, so Pilar and Jiracek have done well to pick up the slack. With both being the only scorers for the Czech Republic in this tournament, Portugal will have to pay extra attention to them. Raul Meireles and Miguel Veloso will be aware of the threat these two may be going forward. In their three Group Stage matches, the Czech's have struggled to get offense from anyone else, so keeping these two off the score sheet will be one step closer to victory for Portugal.
Keep things tight and organized in the back line
Portugal conceded four goals in the Group Stage, having only conceded one against Germany who topped their group. Two mental lapses against Denmark and a clinical finish from Van der Vaart added to their goals against. Other than that, the Portugal defense has been very solid and organized throughout the tournament. Pepe has been the anchor for Portugal as his aggressive play and never give up attitude has really played a key role in Portugal's solid defending. Making sure that the Czech Republic has to earn every opportunity they get will be important for Portugal. They can't afford to give up any easy opportunities as that will give the Czech Republic added confidence. Shutting them down and frustrating them will really hurt Michal Bilek's side and their limited offensive options.
Don't allow the Czech Republic to build confidence
Going into the match as underdogs, the longer this match stays close, the better it will be for the Czech Republic. They will try to keep Portugal off the score sheet for as long as they can, allowing themselves to build confidence and start to believe that they can pull off an upset. If Portugal doesn't stay composed and get a goal before the 65th or 70th minute, they could be in for a very nervy final part of the match.
