Czech Republic line-up: Cech (c), Sivok, Kadlec, Selassie, Limbersky, Hubschman (Pekhart, 83'), Darida (Rezek, 60), Jiracek, Baros, Plasil, Pilar
Portugal line-up: Patricio, Pepe, Pereira, Alves, Coentrao, Meireles (Rolando, 86'), Veloso, Moutinho, Postiga (Almeida, 39'), Ronaldo (c), Nani (Custodio, 81')
Cristiano Ronaldo scored the only goal of the first quarter final to send Portugal into the final four. Portugal were favourites from the outset and would always have a chance of winning by restricting Czech Republic to one shot on target.
This doesn't mean the Czechs were out-played, six corners and countless dangerous crosses highlighted their intent but they couldn't force a way to test Rui Patricio. But Portugal had 11 corners of their own and amassed 22 shots, eight on target, that kept Petr Cech the much busier of the two keepers.
Portugal never really turned the screw as such but their best chance in the first half fell to their captain. Ronaldo swivelled and got his shot away, beating Cech but was kept out by the post in injury time. The start of the second half mimicked the end of the first half, a free-kick by Ronaldo was touched by Cech onto the post to keep the score level.
13-minutes into the second period, Portugal though they had that vital breakthrough goal when substitute Hugo Almeida headed home a cross from Nani. But the flag went up straight away and it was the correct decision as the Czech Republic defensive line was cleverly constructed.
Czech Republic's best moments in the game from their wide men as both Vaclav Pilar and Petr Jiracek made themselves readily available to take on the Portuguese full backs. Jiracek created an opening by beating two defenders as he cut into the box. But, like many others, his cross couldn't find the one or two red shirts and Patricio easily collected.
The deadlock was finally broken 12-minutes from time when Joao Moutinho put in a hopeful cross. It missed the first man but Ronaldo was breaking his neck to get to the ball before putting his diving header past Cech to give the Portuguese a huge sigh of relief. They will face either Spain or France who lock horns on Saturday.
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