The first match of the knock-out phase has arrived, and Portugal look value to win in 90 minutes. In their matches to date, they tried a containing game against Germany and nearly came away with a result. They then beat Denmark twice in one game (once to go 2-0 up, then once again at 2-2 to find the winner). The defence looked more assured against Holand, and the 2-1 win was fully merited.

Ronaldo decided to show up for that one, and he really was the difference. Portugal does have other top-quality players such as Nani, Pepe and Meireles, and that will be enough to carve out chances against the Czech Republic in the manner that Russia found on match day 1.

The Czech Republic lost that opener and were soundly beaten by four goals to one. After that, they found to early goals against Greece and held on, then beat Poland by the solitary goal. I was never convinced Poland were talented enough to emerge from the groups, and neither Czech wins really rank alongside those of Portugal. Indeed, it is five years since the Czechs beat a top quality side in a competitive game.

Portugal may have failed at World Cup 2010, but they did only let one goal in (in a 0-1 result against Spain), and kept clean sheets against Ivory Coast and Brazil along the way. The defence is strong, the midfield is lively, and with Ronaldo and Nani in the side you would expect some goals to come at one point.

My conclusion is that the Czechs will get bounced out of the tournament.

Portugal to win at 1.8
Source: FB