Euro 2008: Day 5 Highlights

Portugal 3-1 Czech Republic

Portugal continued to impress at Euro 2008 as they got the better of the Czech Republic in a fast-paced Group A match, edging towards the quarter-finals with a 3-1 win. Neither side had gained any momentum before Portugal broke the deadlock after eight minutes had been played. Deco and Cristiano Ronaldo had already been given too much space in midfield and it was through a combination of the two that the first goal came about. Ronaldo's run on goal was halted when Petr Cech rushed out and clawed the ball away, but it fell into the path of Deco who struggled to avoid a desperate dive from Cech and mis-hit a shot that deflected off Marek Jankulovski on the line and rolled into the net.

Portugal looked content to hold their lead but, despite no previous attacking intent, the Czech Republic drew level just nine minutes later. Libor Sionko, outstanding down the right and later on through the middle, nutmegged defender Pepe before winning a corner from which the equaliser came. Having already shown skill and composure on the ball, Sionko demonstrated his aerial ability by throwing himself at the corner and powering a header past Ricardo.

Portugal were reduced to long-range efforts for much of the rest of the first half, but, despite good intentions from the Czechs, a second goal never looked likely. Instead it was Portugal who ended the half well and came out in the second period full of energy and invention. Nuno Gomes wasted a good chance in the 53rd minute, shooting straight at Cech after he had spun away from the last defender, while a mistake from David Rozehnal allowed him another chance two minutes later, but again he failed to beat the Chelsea keeper.

Ten minute later Portugal were ahead again.