Euro 2012 Schedule: Preview Czech Republic vs. Portugal (Watch Online Live Stream)
The quarter final stages of Euro 2012 kick off today with Czech Republic vs. Portugal. The tournament has already seen some excellent games and real excitement, but the action is about to intensify as each team now knows it's do or die in the knock out stages. Here is a preview and team news of today's game.
Firstly the game will kick off at 2.45 p.m. EST and will be televised live on ESPN. It can also be seen through live streaming online at ESPN3.
For the Czech Republic, they will have to try and take on the flair of Portugal without injured captain Tomas Rosicky, who is still recovering from the Achilles injury he sustained in the Czech Republic's second group game against Greece. That is potentially a devastating loss, as he is more than just one of the team's best players, but leads from the front and is an inspiring captain for the team. However, it is believed that he has recovered enough to make the bench , and he may come on as an inspirational impact player should the Czech Republic need him.
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In Rosicky's absence Daniel Kolar will deputize once again, having already done so in the Czech Republic's third group game.
The Czech Republic have already been making history and became only the second side to top a Euro championship group after conceding five goals through the three games. Spain are the only other side, who managed the feat in 2000. This time the Czech Republic qualified from Group A with a negative goal difference – something they also managed to do in 1996. That year they went all the way to the final.
Portugal, who came through a stern test by making it out of the so called Group of Death, completely outplayed one of the tournament's favorites, Holland, in their final group game. Bruno Alves and Raul Meireles both sustained knocks during that game, and it was unsure whether they would recover in time for today's encounter with the Czech Republic. However, the latest news is that both appear to have overcome their injuries and should be fit enough to start today's game.
Portugal's coach Paolo Bento has kept the same starting line up in every game so far, making Portugal the only country to do so in the tournament. With Alves and Meireles back, and no other injury concerns, Bento will be able to select the same 11 as usual, which most commentators are guessing he will do.
Today's quarter final between Czech Republic and Portugal kicks off at 2.45 p.m. and can be watched live on ESPN, or online through live stream on ESPN3.
