FCBARCELONA.CAT

11.06.2008 20:03

Deco helps Portuguese to second win (3-1)

Jesús Carrillo

Portugal qualified for the second phase of the European Championships after beating the Czech Republic in an entertaining encounter that saw Deco play a key role.

Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side scored early on only to concede an equaliser soon after, but they won the game after the break thanks to a goal and an assist from Cristiano Ronaldo. In the eighth minute the first goal arrived after Petr Cech parried Ronalo’s shot and Deco persevered forward to force the ball over the line from close range and put the Portuguese ahead. Within two minutes, though, the Czechs drew level through Libor Sionko.

Back in front

After the break, Portugal raised their game and Cech had to be on form to keep his side on equal terms as he kept out several efforts on goal. With 63 minutes on the clock, Deco turned provider when he laid the ball across the area and Ronaldo hit it first time into the opposite corner of the net.

Czech comeback

That effort forced the Czech Republic to go forward and they brought on Jan Koller to add height and strength to their forward line. It made no difference, however, as Portugal held their own and held out. Then, in the final minute, the Czech’s comeback was finally undone when a quickly taken free-kick saw Ronaldo race clear of the defence before laying the ball across for former Barça winger Ricardo Quaresma to tap home from close range.