The Czech Republic will reportedly play an ultra-defensive game to survive against Portugal’s fierce attacking machine led by Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Nani.
After successfully ousting UEFA Euro 2012 co-hosts Poland en route to the quarter-finals, the Czechs are looking to build on their momentum in quest for more success. Coach Michal Bilek could guide his men to win their third European Championship match on the trot.
In the form of Paulo Bento’s attacking Portuguese team, the Czech Republic will face a difficult task. Having suffered on the touchline during the Czechs’ 4-1 mauling in the hands of Russia, coach Michal Bilek is hoping to get his tactics right this time.
Speaking ahead of Thursday night’s quarter-final match, the Czech Republic manager told UEFA.com:
“We know Portugal have dangerous players in midfield and up front, such as Nani, Helder Postiga and Ronaldo. We have that in mind, and we'll adjust our tactics to be more defensive.
“We can't play like we did against Russia. We gave them space and they punished us [4-1]. Nani and Ronaldo will punish us if we do the same thing again, and we don't want to repeat the first match.”
What the Czechs are looking to repeat is their Euro 1996 Last 8 triumph against Portugal where a lone goal from Karel Poborsky sealed the historic upset. Michal Bilek is not ruling out his team’s chances. Concluding on this matter, the coach stated:
“They have strong individuals and a strong team, but if we repeat our performances from the previous two games, we have a chance of going through.”
Argentine football god Diego Maradona backed Michal Bilek's opinion during an interview with India Times. The World Cup winner reportedly explained:
“It is in the offence that Portugal hold the key, the advantage with Cristiano Ronaldo. They have him and the Czechs don't.
“Coach [Michal] Bilek will have to find a solution to cage the terrifying Ronaldo. The Czechs will have to put at least two men on him all the time, as one is not sufficient to stop him.”
In the form of Paulo Bento’s attacking Portuguese team, the Czech Republic will face a difficult task. Having suffered on the touchline during the Czechs’ 4-1 mauling in the hands of Russia, coach Michal Bilek is hoping to get his tactics right this time.
Speaking ahead of Thursday night’s quarter-final match, the Czech Republic manager told UEFA.com:
“We know Portugal have dangerous players in midfield and up front, such as Nani, Helder Postiga and Ronaldo. We have that in mind, and we'll adjust our tactics to be more defensive.
“We can't play like we did against Russia. We gave them space and they punished us [4-1]. Nani and Ronaldo will punish us if we do the same thing again, and we don't want to repeat the first match.”
What the Czechs are looking to repeat is their Euro 1996 Last 8 triumph against Portugal where a lone goal from Karel Poborsky sealed the historic upset. Michal Bilek is not ruling out his team’s chances. Concluding on this matter, the coach stated:
“They have strong individuals and a strong team, but if we repeat our performances from the previous two games, we have a chance of going through.”
Argentine football god Diego Maradona backed Michal Bilek's opinion during an interview with India Times. The World Cup winner reportedly explained:
“It is in the offence that Portugal hold the key, the advantage with Cristiano Ronaldo. They have him and the Czechs don't.
“Coach [Michal] Bilek will have to find a solution to cage the terrifying Ronaldo. The Czechs will have to put at least two men on him all the time, as one is not sufficient to stop him.”
