Euro 1996 Czech Republic became the best performance in the biggest football tournament between nations of Europe are. Surprisingly, the Czech Republic with the status of a fantastic debut at that time able to penetrate to the party or the final before losing to Germany.
Well, the way to the top of the party, the Czech rid of Portugal in the quarter-finals with a score of 1-0 via goals Karel Poborsky. In Euro 2012, the two teams will meet again in the same phase. Is the National Stadium in Warsaw clashed early day (RCTI broadcast 1:45 pm kickoff) will be a repeat of the game 16 years ago?
"I think it's just a coincidence. In 1996, Portugal is very, very favorite. As for now, the position of the two teams did not differ much. We just finished as group winners, while they were runner-up group," said Czech defender Michal Kadlec on the official site UEFA.
Kadlec also has extra motivation to beat Portugal. Therefore, the captain of the Czech edition of 1996 was his biological father, Miroslav. Only, Kadlec reminded when carrying the spirit of 1996 will not be enough. Therefore, the technique also determines the quality and in this case, Portugal is better.
"Portugal also qualified from the group considered the most stringent of the other group. So, they have been tested properly," said the Bayer Leverkusen defender.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo is also a person who's aware of Czech. Moreover, Real Madrid star was found confidence in the last game or bought up two goals after a 2-1 victory over the Dutch Portugal (17/6).
Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech among the wary. When the Czech Republic 1-3 defeat of Portugal in the group stage of Euro 2008, Ronaldo goalkeeper Cech was burglarized. Cech, who plays for Chelsea's Champions League winner is no stranger to Ronaldo as they often faced in the Premier League. Namely, during Manchester United's Ronaldo still defend.
"He (Ronaldo) is very dangerous because it has a very powerful kick and can kick from any position and with any legs. Heading its not good to lose," said Cech told The Sun.
"My experience is often confronted with it might help, but the cooperation of the team remains crucial," continued the owner of 93 caps.
Only, Czech solidity disturbed. Captain of the team and playmaker Tomas Rosicky is rumored not to be recovering from an Achilles tendon injury while D-day match. If the Arsenal players were absent, then Daniel Kolar will again be trusted as when the Czech's 1-0 win over Poland (16/5).
If the potential minus Rosicky Czech, Portugal would be a full team. Coach Paulo Bento seems to be maintaining attacking 4-3-3 scheme as a starter plus three games in the group phase. Portugal midfielder Raul Meireles said that if his team would escape if able to maintain such a game against the Dutch.
"We have shown as an organized team and the players who have strong character, Portugal can make a difference (in the face of the Czech Republic, Red)," said Meireles told AFP.
"But, we do not underestimate your opponent and then because of all the teams that qualified for the quarter-finals means a formidable team," added the Chelsea players.
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