Sports World: 2012-06-17

After finishing top of Group A, Michal Bilek's side will now lock horns with the Seleccao, who placed second in Group B following Sunday's 2-1 victory against Netherlands.It was an excellent performance from the Czechs - the first 20 minutes aside - they knew the Polish would tire and took full advantage in the second half. Petr Cech was very composed and exuded confidence in opening exchanges, despite the howler from the Greece game just days earlier. The Czech Republic are really starting to grow into the tournament and ran out deserved group winners in the end.It was an excellent performance from the Czechs - the first 20 minutes aside - they knew the Polish would tire and took full advantage in the second half.

Petr Cech was very composed and exuded confidence in opening exchanges, despite the howler from the Greece game just days earlier. The Czech Republic are really starting to grow into the tournament and ran out deserved group winners in the end. Paulo Bento's side are highly favoured for the match after surviving what had been described as the 'Group of Death', but the Chelsea keeper says that he is looking for a repeat of the Euro 1996 quarter-final clash between the two teams, when his country won 1-0."We have not lost yet, of course you can beat anyone on a good day," he told AFP. "We definitely have a chance to advance. It is sport and anything can happen."They are among the world's top 10 teams. They are a team filled with personalities and outstanding players, and they play very well. "Against Netherlands on Sunday, they were excellent up front. They also have enough experienced players. The team has matured and it is really strong."Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice against Oranje, and Cech admitted that his team will need to pay special attention to the Real Madrid star."He has a powerful shot, he can shoot with his left or right foot," he added. "He can score from any place and his heading is also great."

Czech Republic vs Portugal

Date : 21/06/2012

Time : 2:45 PM (ET)

Venue : National Stadium Warsaw, Poland

Portugal have been one of the more impressive sides at Euro 2012 so far and the strong play of Pepe against Netherlands in their final pool match helped them emerge from the 'Group of Death'. Croatia and Gordon Schildenfeld in particular can feel aggrieved at their elimination after a fine performance against trophy holders Spain and John Terry was a prime example of England's team-work and effort, keeping the defence organised as Ukraine piled on the pressure.

Moving into midfield, Steven Gerrard proved to be the Three Lions' assist man once more and was once again a bright spot for Roy Hodgson's side. Bastian Schweinsteiger's disciplined and effective performance shutting down Denmark's attacking midfielders certainly did not grab the headlines, but earned him a second cap in our Best XI.

Friday

Germany vs Greece UEFA Euro Cup quarterfinal today

Tuesday

Czech Republic will play against Portugal in UEFA Euro Cup 2012 Quarter-Final